Deal between Russia, Wagner; Belarus to diffuse crisis

Republic's LIVE Coverage of the Wagner group's rebellion in Russia has now concluded. Follow all updates here

Chechen leader Ramzan Kadyrov has claimed that Prigozhin had acted out of "anger" over a chain of unsuccessful business deals. Chechen leader has slammed the "arrogance" of the rebellion leader Yevgeny Prigozhin. He said it could lead to "dangerous consequences". It is to be noted that Kadyrov has been a long-time ally of President Putin. 

"I talked with Prigozhin, urging him to leave his business ambitions and not mix them with matters of national importance. I thought that he heard me, but it turns out that this anger in him has only grown all this time," said the Chechen leader.  
 

Russian President Vladimir Putin has suffered "a mortal blow," despite the apparent deal that will see Wagner boss Yevgeny Prigozhin leave for Belarus, according to a retired US general. "There are two existential fights going on in this Russia-Ukraine war," said retired US Army Brig. Gen. Peter Zwack reported CNN. Further, he added, "One is the viability of the survival, the existence, of a free-minded Ukrainian state. The other is inside the Kremlin and the viability of the Putin regime."

"What (Prigozhin) has done is divided the Russians, got them squabbling publicly... This I believe is a mortal blow to Putin and his regime," said the Ex-US army general.

Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro took it on Twitter and wrote that Russia and its leader Vladimir Putin defeated attempts to unleash a civil war in the country and have full support from his country.

Desde el Campo victorioso de Carabobo, enviamos nuestro abrazo de solidaridad y apoyo al Presidente de la Federación de Rusia, Vladimir Putin, quien ha sabido enfrentar un intento de traición y guerra civil, garantizando la victoria y la Paz de su Pueblo. ¡Venezuela está con… pic.twitter.com/UStnie4UV5

— Nicolás Maduro (@NicolasMaduro)

 As part of a deal to defuse a crisis, the charges against Yevgeny Prigozhin for mounting an armed rebellion will be dropped and the troops who joined him also will not be prosecuted, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov announced. Further, the fighters from his Wagner Group who did not take part in the uprising will be offered contracts by the Defense Ministry.

Kazakhstan President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev will hold an emergency meeting of his Security Council on June 25, said his office. This came hours after he called for "law and order" in Russia.

"The head of the government will hear reports from the prime minister (and) heads of the security forces about taking course measures connected to the situation in Russia," wrote Tokayev's office on Twitter. Further, they added, an "action plan is expected to be adopted to neutralize possible negative consequences linked to the situation in the neighboring friendly country impacting the security of citizens of Kazakhstan and the economy of our country."

📣 Президент Қасым-Жомарт Тоқаев таңертең Қауіпсіздік Кеңесінің кезектен тыс отырысын өткізеді.

Мемлекет басшысына Премьер-Министр, күштік ведомстволар басшылары
Ресейдегі жағдайға байланысты берілген тапсырмаларының орындалуы жөнінде есеп береді.

Жиында көрші достас…

— President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev's Press Office (@aqorda_press)

Here are the key points that have been addressed by the Russian official: 

• Today's situation will in no way affect the course of the special military op, the fighters successfully repelled the Ukrainian counteroffensive and the operation will continue;   
• Fighters from PMC Wagner who participated in today's events will not be prosecuted;   
• Wagner troops will be able to sign a contract with the Russian mod;   
• Putin and Lukashenko agreed in the morning on the mediation of Minsk for a settlement: it was a personal initiative of the Belarusian leader;   
• The main goals of Lukashenko's efforts were to avoid bloodshed and internal confrontation;   
• There will be no new Putin address in the near future.
   

Rishi Sunak will stay in close contact with Western allies after a deal was struck to end the Wagner rebellion in Russia. The UK prime minister spoke to US President Joe Biden, French President Emmanuel Macron and German Chancellor Olaf Scholz "to discuss the situation in Russia and reiterate their continuing support for Ukrainian sovereignty", said Downing Street. Further, one of the spokespersons said, "The leaders have agreed to stay in close contact in the coming days." 
 

As the situation in Russian turns chaotic, US Secy discusses it with the foreign affairs minister of Poland. The United States commits to continue close coordination with Allies and partners.

Spoke today with Polish Foreign Minister @RauZbigniew to discuss the ongoing situation in Russia. The United States will continue to closely coordinate with Allies and partners.

— Secretary Antony Blinken (@SecBlinken)

I had a conversation with 🇺🇸 Secretary of State @SecBlinken on the current developments in Russia. We agreed that it is now crucial to monitor the situation as well as maintain allied unity and cooperation. We assessed that current situation in 🇷🇺 is its internal matter.

— Zbigniew Rau (@RauZbigniew)

All road traffic restrictions imposed over the Wagner crisis on Saturday have now been lifted, Russia’s Federal Road Agency (Rosavtodor), reported Russia- based media outlet. "[Road traffic] restrictions have been lifted," Rosavtodor said.  Earlier, Restrictions were imposed on sectors of motor roads in Russia’s Rostov, Lipetsk, Tula and other regions. 

Following events overnight involving the Wagner group and the Russian military, we are monitoring the situation carefully and liaising closely with our allies.

— James Cleverly🇬🇧 (@JamesCleverly)

The rebellious Russian mercenary commander who ordered his troops to march on Moscow before abruptly reversing course will move to neighbour Belarus and not face prosecution, the Kremlin said Saturday, as part of a deal to defuse a crisis that represented the most significant challenge to President Vladimir Putin in his more than two decades in power. Read Here

Yevgeny Prigozhin, the owner of the Wagner Group military company, sits inside an army vehicle posing for a selfie photo with a local civilian on the street in Rostov-on-Don, Russia, on June 24, prior to leaving an area of the headquarters of the Southern Military District. (Image: AP) 

Members of the Wagner Group military company load their tank onto a truck on a street in Rostov-on-Don, Russia. Image: AP

People shout and wave a flag of the Wagner Group military company to servicemen prior to their leaving an area at the headquarters of the Southern Military District in Rostov-on-Don. Image: AP

Civilians walk around an armoured vehicle of the Wagner Group military company with "Brother" written on it, as they were heading to the headquarters of the Southern Military District. Image: AP

 The following has happened in the last 48 hours: 

• Wagner mercenary chief Yevgeny Prigozhin has ordered his forces to turn back and return to their bases, seemingly abandoning an armed rebellion that had them heading toward Moscow,  on June 24. In a post on Telegram, Prigozhin said the move was made to avoid bloodshed.
• The criminal case against Prigozhin would be dropped. Putin’s spokesman, Dmitry Peskov, also said Prigozhin would "go to Belarus" and that Wagner soldiers would not be prosecuted.
• Russian President Vladimir Putin had accused mercenary Prigozhin of "treason" and vowed to crush the growing armed rebellion.
• Prigozhin, head of the Wagner mercenary group and once a confidant of the Russian leader, claimed that he and his fighters had taken Rostov-on-Don, where the Russian military headquarters overseeing the war in Ukraine is based.
• Prigozhin accused Russian Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu of ordering a rocket strike on Wagner’s camps in Ukraine and vowed to punish “those who destroyed our lads,” on June 23. 
   

The head of the private Russian military company Wagner will move to neighboring Belarus as part of deal to defuse rebellion tensions and the criminal case against him will be closed, the Kremlin said Saturday.

Yevgeny Prigozhin’s troops who joined him in the uprising will not face prosecution and those who did not will be offered contracts by the Defense Ministry, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said.

"The Wagner mercenaries who did not participate in the rebellion will sign contracts with the Defense Ministry and will not be prosecuted, " Vladimir Putin's spokesman Dmitry Peskov said.

Russia's political analyst, Alexander Dugin, has said that Russia's Defense Minister Sergei Kuzhugetovich Shoigu should "personally" met with the Wagner "rebels." 

"Why not, indeed, shouldn't the Minister of Defense meet with the rebels now? If this is the price by which civil war can be avoided, can't it be paid? This is war. There is nothing scarier than civil war. That would be the manly thing to do. Save the country, Sergei Kujugetovich! The situation is an emergency," wrote Dugin on his Telegram channel. 

After Belarus mediated and held talks with PMC Wagner's chief Prigozhin, in the new audio released by his press service he ordered the Wagner fighters to "turn back to avoid bloodshed." 

"We came within 200km of Moscow without shedding a drop of blood, now there is the possibility of blood being shed, understanding this responsibility we will turn around our convoys and return to our bases," Wagner's founder, popularly dubbed as Putin's chef, said. 

PMC Wagner's convoy had advanced more than halfway toward Moscow after seizing Rostov-on-Don. Russia's President Vladimir Putin had vowed to crush an armed mutiny. 

Credit: Telegram

PMC Wagner has been concentrated on Russia’s major M-4 highway that leads to the Capital Moscow. According to emerging reports, clashes have broken out at least two areas along the route even as Wagner Cheif Prigozhin ordered the fighters to return to camps following successful mediation efforts by Belarusian strongman Alexander Lukashenko. 

Wagner boss Prigozhin has ordered PMC Wagner assault units to return to the field camps after negotiations with Belarusian strongman Alexander Lukashenko. Prigozhin has reportedly accepted Lukashenka's proposal to stop the Wagner movement in Russia's Capital Moscow, and take further steps to de-escalate tensions. 

"Negotiations lasted throughout the day. As a result, they came to agreement on the inadmissibility of unleashing a bloody massacre on the territory of Russia.Yevgeny Prigozhin accepted the proposal of President of Belarus Alexander Lukashenko to stop the movement of armed persons of the Wagner company in Russia and take further steps to de-escalate tensions. A profitable and acceptable option has been developed for solving the situation, with security guarantees for the fighters of the PMC "Wagner," the press service of the President of Belarus said in a statement. 

Russia's President Vladimir Putin briefed his Belarusian counterpart on the situation in southern Russia as the private military company Wagner declared an armed rebellion against the country's leadership. The heads of state agreed on joint actions to prevent what many military experts were already calling a "coup" attempt. President of Belarus, having additionally specified the situation through his own channels, with the agreement with the President of Russia, held talks with the head of Wagner PMC Yevgeny Prigozhin.

A bridge between the village of Anna and the city of Borisoglebsk in the Voronezh region was blown up, where columns of PMCs had headed. 

Credit: Telegram

Ukraine's President, Volodymyr Zelenskyy, has released a statement on on 'complete chaos' in Russia. "Today is a day when there should definitely be no silence. And leadership is definitely needed," Zelenskyy said in a statement. "Today the world saw that the masters of Russia do not control anything. Nothing at all. Just complete chaos. Complete lack of any predictability. And this is on Russian territory, which is full of weapons," Ukraine's President, furthermore added. 
 
"The world should not be afraid. We know what protects us. Only our unity. Ukraine will definitely be able to protect Europe from any Russian forces - and it does not matter who commands them. We will protect. The security of the eastern flank of Europe depends only on our defense. And that is why every manifestation of support for our defense is support for your defense, everyone in the free world," Zelenskyy's statement further read. 
 
"I will say in Russian. The man from the Kremlin [Putin] is obviously very afraid and is probably hiding somewhere, not showing up. I am sure that he is no longer in Moscow. He calls somewhere, begs for something there ... He knows what he is afraid of, because he himself created this threat. All the evil, all the losses, all the hatred - he spreads it himself. And the longer he can run between his bunkers, the more you will lose ... everyone who is connected with Russia. What will we Ukrainians do? We will defend our country. We will defend our freedom. We will not be silent and we will not be inactive. We know how to win - and it will be. Our victory in this war will be unequivocal." 
 
He then warned Russia against sending more troops to Ukraine. "And what will you do? The longer your troops stay on Ukrainian soil, the more destruction they will bring to Russia later. The longer this person stays in the Kremlin, the more catastrophes there will be," Zelenskyy noted. 

Wagner Chief has agreed to stop the march to Moscow, has accepted Lukashenka's offer, RIA Novosti is reporting. Belarus President Lukashenka's press service said that "at the moment there is a draft of an acceptable option for resolving the situation with the "Wagner" PMC, with security guarantees for its fighters." Here's the full statement published by his press service. 

"This morning Russian President Vladimir Putin briefed his Belarusian colleague on the situation in southern Russia with the private military company Wagner. The heads of state agreed on joint actions. Following the agreements, the President of Belarus, having further clarified the situation through their own channels, in coordination with the President of Russia, held talks with the head of the Wagner PMC, Evgeny Prigozhin. The talks lasted for the whole day. As a result, they came to an agreement on the inadmissibility of unleashing a bloodbath on the territory of Russia. Yevgeny Prigozhin accepted the offer of President Alexander Lukashenka to stop the movement of armed men of Wagner in Russia and to take further steps to de-escalate tension. At the moment, on the table is absolutely advantageous and acceptable option of resolving the situation, with security guarantees for the Wagner PMC fighters. As previously reported, the President of Belarus has held two meetings with the security bloc of the country on the situation today."

United States Embassy in Moscow has published the security alert warning US nationals in Russia to "prepare for any security developments" that arise.It has asked Americans to "monitor local conditions and be prepared for any security developments."

"The US Embassy in Moscow is aware of the reports of fighting between Wagner Group forces and the Russian Armed Forces in southwest Russia. The security situation in Russia continues to be unpredictable. We will continue to monitor the situation, but U.S. citizens should be aware that the Embassy has limited ability to assess security conditions in Moscow and other locations in the Russian Federation in real time," the embassy said in its advisory.

US government "is not able to coordinate the evacuation of private US citizens from the Russian Federation. As underscored in longstanding U.S. travel advisories for Russia, we continue to urge U.S. citizens to not enter Russia at this time, and that U.S. citizens remaining in Russia depart immediately if it is safe to do so."

Russia's National Guard officers have been stationed at an entrance to Moscow, according to Tass. This comes as Wagner is threatening to organize the march to Moscow after declaring control of Rostov. Putin, in a state TV address had vowed “decisive actions” to quell the Wagner's armed rebellion lead by the mercenaries boss Yevgeny V. Prigozhin. 

A member of the Wagner PMC has opened fire at the entrance to the Rostelekom building in Rostov-on-Don.

A member of the Wagner PMC opened fire at the entrance to the Rostelekom building in Rostov-on-Don.

It is not yet clear what caused the shooting. pic.twitter.com/Brb3nzSHyM

— NEXTA (@nexta_tv)

Austrian Federal Chancellor Karl Negammer has made official comments on the ongoing events in Russia. He emphasized on the importance of "preventing nuclear weapons from falling into the wrong hands."  The Austrian Chancellor added that he is in contact with his EU colleagues and is holding consultations on the matter.

"Western intelligence agencies are constantly analyzing the situation in Russia," Austrian Federal Chancellor Karl Negammer said. 

 

Here are the latest developments of Wagner Group's armed mutiny against Russia's Defense Ministry and their attempt to oust the country's authoritarian leadership. 

• Russia's President, Vladimir Putin, has discussed the situation with the Presidents of Belarus, Uzbekistan, Kazakhstan and Turkiye. Erdogan said that Ankara is ready to contribute to the settlement of the situation in Russia.
• Deputy Chief of the Security Council, Dmitry Medvedev, has called what is happening an attempt at a coup d'état and did not rule out the possible participation of foreigners in the rebellion. He has called speculation about past grievances "nonsense."
• Russian Foreign Ministry has warned the West against any hints about the possible use of the internal Russian situation for their own Russophobic purposes.
•  An armed mutiny is a crime that cannot be justified by any past accomplishments, Russian intelligence chief Sergey Naryshkin said.

Twitter's CEO Elon Musk has tweeted what he labelled 'interesting spaces on Twitter on Wagner revolt." 

Interesting Spaces about Wagner revolthttps://t.co/7B9WhNU4k5

— Elon Musk (@elonmusk)

US President Biden has reportedly delayed his departure for Camp David. He has consulted European leaders and advisers to discuss the ongoing rebellion situation in Russia.  “The leaders discussed the situation in Russia,” the White House said in a statement. “They also affirmed their unwavering support for Ukraine.” Biden held a telephonic conversation with French President Emmanuel Macron, Chancellor Olaf Scholz of Germany, and Prime Minister Rishi Sunak of Britain.

Wagner PMC fighters have been spotted on the roof of the Southern Military District headquarters in Rostov that they claimed to have surrounded. 

Credit: Telegram

Here are the visuals from the streets of Rostov-on-Don which the Wagner PMC is claiming it now controls. 

Credit: Reuters

Credit: Reuters

Credit: Reuters

Credit: Telegram/Wagner

Fighters of the "Wagner" PMC have reportedly massively released the prisoners from Rostov prisons to join their ranks. "Armed men in camouflage disarm the guards in Rostov penal colonies. They urge convicts to join them and march together to Moscow," RIA Novosti is reporting. 

French Foreign Ministry has advised its citizens against travelling to Russia. The Ministry for Europe and Foreign Affairs, in conjunction with the French Embassy in Moscow, "is closely following the current events in Russia, and is fully mobilized to ensure the safety of French nationals present in this country, as well as that of diplomatic and consular staff," the statement read. 

The Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs "is in close contact with her main international partners, in particular her G7 counterparts and the High Representative of the European Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, Mr. Josep Borrell Fontelles," it further added. 

“Shoigu and Gerasimov threw you into a meat grinder for the sake of their own skins," Paramilitary group Wagner said in a recorded message, urging Russian military from the occupied territories "to join the march on Moscow." 
 

Alietdin Makhmudov, the commander of the famous 'Storm Z assault detachment,' and his soldiers recorded the video at the front line of the Zaporizhia front where they are repelling attacks from Ukraine's counteroffensive. The soldiers expressed their support for Russia's President Vladimir Putin.

Credit: Telegram

In the visuals circulating on Telegram, armed PMC Wagner fighters are attempting to breach Russia’s largest provider of digital services firm—Rostelecom. 

Credit: Telegram

In the suburbs, Russia has suspended holding sports, physical culture, entertainment and other public events in the open air until July 1. Celebratory events in educational organizations, including indoors, have also been suspended. The exception includes events organized with the participation of the authorities. 

At least five gunshots resonated near the Russian military headquarters in Rostov-on-Don. Wagner Group has declared the control on the city since early Saturday, according to RIA Novosti news agency. 

Credit: Telegram/ PMC Wagner

Russian military helicopters have been spotted circling areas south of Moscow as the fighters of the PMC Wagner units have reached the Moscow region, reportedly just two hours away from the streets of the Russian capital. Military checkpoints have been set up on the Kashirskoye Highway leading north to Moscow, according to pro-Kremlin channels. 

Moscow Mayor Sergei Sobyanin declared Monday a 'non-working day' amid ongoing turmoil. The mayor said that the move has been made to minimise risks of Netizens getting affected. "Dear citizens, a counter-terrorist operation regime has been declared in Moscow. The situation is difficult.In order to minimize risks, I, within the framework of the operational headquarters, decided to declare Monday a non-working day - with the exception of authorities and enterprises of a continuous cycle, the military-industrial complex, and urban services," Sobyanin wrote on Telegram. I ask you to refrain from travelling around the city as much as possible. It is possible to block traffic in certain blocks and on certain roads. Inform 112 about emergencies and incidents in a timely manner. City services are on high alert," he further added. 

The Foreign Secretary of the United Kingdom, James Cleverly issued a travel advisory for British nationals in Russia amid the ongoing turmoil. He also gave out his reaction to the current situation. "Following events overnight involving the Wagner group and the Russian military, we are monitoring the situation carefully and liaising closely with our allies," Cleverly wrote on Twitter. "We continue to urge British citizens to follow FCDO travel advice," he further added. 

Following events overnight involving the Wagner group and the Russian military, we are monitoring the situation carefully and liaising closely with our allies.

— James Cleverly🇬🇧 (@JamesCleverly)

 

We continue to urge British citizens to follow FCDO travel advicehttps://t.co/BrRF5j8SlA

— James Cleverly🇬🇧 (@JamesCleverly)

As the turmoil in Russia intensifies, reports are emerging that the Akhmat Battalion is attempting to surround PMC Wagner from two sides. 

Map illustration of the region, Image: Telegram 

The Minister Ministry of Foreign Affairs released the experts from Putin's address following Wagner's coup attempt

Today, Russia is waging a tough struggle for its future, repelling the aggression of neo-Nazis and their patrons. The entire military, economic and informational machine of the West is directed against us. We are fighting for the lives and security of our people, for our sovereignty and independence, for the right to be and remain Russia, a state with a thousand-year history.

• This battle, when the fate of our nation is being decided, requires consolidation of all forces. It requires unity, consolidation and a sense of responsibility, and everything that weakens us, any strife that our external enemies can use and do so to subvert us from within, must be discarded.

• What we are facing is essentially a betrayal. Inflated ambitions and personal interests have led to treason – treason against our country, our people and the common cause which Wagner Group soldiers and commanders were fighting and dying for shoulder to shoulder, together with our other units and troops.

• Any internal revolt is a deadly threat to our statehood and our nation. It is a blow to Russia, to our people. Our actions to defend the Fatherland from this threat will be harsh. All those who have consciously chosen the path of betrayal, planned an armed mutiny and taken the path of blackmail and terrorism, will inevitably be punished and will answer before the law and our people.

• Those who staged the mutiny and took up arms against their comrades – they have betrayed Russia and will be brought to account. I urge those who are being dragged into this crime not to make a fatal and tragic mistake but make the only right choice: to stop taking part in criminal actions.

Prigozhin responded to Russia’s Ministry of Defense about claims PMC "Wagner" set mines in Rostov-on-Don. “There is misinformation about some kind of mine barriers. When we arrived here in the morning, we removed a mine barrier from the gate adjacent to the headquarters building, which [before our arrival] had been clumsily laid out. He was such an unprofessional undertaking, of little use. So we removed this mine barrier,” he said. Prigozhin continued that PMC "Wagner" during the rebellion did not kill a single civilian and not a single conscript.“Without a single shot, we captured the headquarters building. We have not interfered with the work of a single person. There are people on the street unfurling our flags. In stores, our fighters are asked not to pay for themselves. Complimentary words sound,” the statement of Wagner's boss read. 

Earlier it was reported that PMC Wagner had mined the streets of Rostov. Videos circulating online showed mercenaries unloading mines and setting them up in the form of checkpoints.

Canadian PM Justin Trudeau reacted to the ongoing mayhem that has engulfed Russia. "I have been briefed on the events unfolding in Russia. The Incident Response Group will meet today to discuss the latest developments. We’re in contact with our allies and will continue to monitor the situation closely," he wrote on Twitter. 

I have been briefed on the events unfolding in Russia. The Incident Response Group will meet today to discuss the latest developments. We’re in contact with our allies and will continue to monitor the situation closely.

— Justin Trudeau (@JustinTrudeau)

Wagner has blocked the buildings of the Rostov regional police department. The buildings of the district police departments of the Rostov region have been seized by mercenaries from the Wagner PMC since the night, two sources in law enforcement agencies told Novaya-Europe newspaper. 

“Those employees who arrived at the departments on alarm are now blocked in their offices: they were told to sit and work, but they are allowed to order water and food,” the paper quoted a source as saying. SOBR and OMON are also blocked at their bases, the National Guard is blocked in their vehicles for transporting fighters, The blocking of SOBR was confirmed by paper citing an interlocutor who said, in front of the building there is a pickup truck with an easel machine gun and heavy presence of Wagner troops. 

In the area of ​​​​the Aksai bridge - one of the major entrances to the city - there were several military vehicles with machine guns. Rostov Governor had previously urged residents “not to leave their homes,” but people were spotted walking around the city.

In a press briefing on Saturday, Iranian Foreign Ministry Spokesman Nasser Kanaani called the recent development in Russia an 'internal issue' of the country. "The Islamic Republic of Iran supports the rule of law in the Russian Federation," Kanaani said in a statement. 

Iranian Foreign Ministry Spokesman Nasser Kanaani addresses press briefing, Image: Iran MFA

If Russian media reports are to believe, "Wagnerites" have detained two people in Rostov-on-Don. The mercenaries detained and laid face down on two men who were driving around the city in a car with “LPR” license plates, the images of the whole ordeal circulated online. 

Image: Telegram

A Russian law enforcement-linked Telegram channel reported that all plane tickets for direct flights from Moscow to Istanbul, Turkey, Astana, Kazakhstan and Tbilisi, Georgia have been sold out.

A Russian law enforcement-linked Telegram channel reported that all plane tickets for direct flights from Moscow to Istanbul, Turkey, Astana, Kazakhstan and Tbilisi, Georgia have been sold out.

Armed Forces of the Chechen Republic of the Russian Federation are rolling into the Rostov region. Meanwhile, the Akhmat battalion is on the road to Rostov. Wagner has declared that Russia's Southern Military District HQ in the region has been completely surrounded by them.

The Chechen Republic of the Russian Federation heads to Rostov region, Image: Telegram 

Akhmat battalion is on the road to Rostov, Image; Telegram 

After reports emerged that the Wagner forces are heading to Moscow, the Russian elites reportedly started to leave the country's national capital. But Russian elites are also the crucial element in this entire dynamic. Russian elites, for a long time, have drawn scrutiny, not only outside Russia but inside the country as well. In his statement on Telegram Pirghozin stated that "the war in Ukraine was started due to avarice of Russian elites and not some strategic reason, which is evidence of this," WSJ reported.

Federal Minister for Foreign Affairs of Germany Annalena Baerbock reacted to the ongoing situation in Russia and said that Germany is observing the developments closely. "We have been observing developments in Russia very closely since yesterday evening and are in close contact with our international partners. German nationals in Russia should definitely observe our adapted travel and safety instructions," she wrote on Twitter. 

Die Entwicklungen in Russland beobachten wir seit gestern Abend sehr aufmerksam und stehen in engstem Austausch dazu mit unseren internationalen Partnern. Deutsche Staatsangehörige in Russland sollten unbedingt unsere angepassten Reise- und Sicherheitshinweise beachten.

— Außenministerin Annalena Baerbock (@ABaerbock)

US  Secretary of State Antony Blinkes said that he spoke with G7 Foreign Ministers and EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy to discuss the ongoing turmoil that has engulfed Russia. "Spoke today with G7 Foreign Ministers and the EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy to discuss the ongoing situation in Russia. The United States will stay in close coordination with Allies and partners as the situation continues to develop," Blinken wrote on Twitter. 

Spoke today with G7 Foreign Ministers and the EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy to discuss the ongoing situation in Russia. The United States will stay in close coordination with Allies and partners as the situation continues to develop.

— Secretary Antony Blinken (@SecBlinken)

After the Russian Security Service conducted a raid at a Wagner group property in St Petersburg, reports are emerging that the authorities have found a whopping $47m in cash in cardboard boxes near Yevgeny Prigozhin's office, Sky News reported citing Russian media. The leader of the paramilitary group on the other hand reportedly said the money was to cover salaries and other expenses for his Wagner fighters. 

Amid the ongoing turmoil, Russian President Vladimir Putin signed a law that allows detention for 30 days for violating martial law. Meanwhile, Wagner is already in the Tula region (neighbouring Moscow region) - 300 km.

Amid the growing turmoil, reports are emerging that the Insurgent Russian forces already crossing Lipetsk Oblast.

Insurgent Russian forces are already crossing Lipetsk Oblast.

I believe that the insurgent forces will reach Moscow at some time tomorrow. I simply do not believe that Putin has any substantial support in the army or the population any more.#Lipetsk #Russia #Coup pic.twitter.com/GMtoJfHgXA

— (((Tendar))) (@Tendar)

Wagner is preparing to seize military warehouses with nuclear weapons - pro-Kremlin Telegram channels are reporting. Forward detachments of PMCs reached the outskirts of Borisoglebsk, Voronezh region. There is a warehouse with nuclear weapons "375 objects" C ", 12 departments of the Ministry of Defense of the Russian Federation.

Meanwhile, a helicopter of the Russian Army strikes at the car of Wagner.

Wagner mercenary group chief Yevgeny Prigozhin claims that the group took the city of Rostov-on-Don without firing a single shot. In a new audio message posted on Wagner's Telegram page, Yevgeny Prigozhin claims his troops took the city "without a single shot being fired [by us]". He also stated that the residents of  Rostov-on-Don were supporting Wagner and were calling them "liberators". 

Russia's Federal Penitentiary Service is denying claims that prison riots have broken out in Moscow on Saturday, as reported by Moscow's state-run RIA Novosti news agency.

SOTA news outlet and prominent prisoners' rights advocate Olga Romanova had released a statement saying that riots had broken out at Detention Facility No. 5 in Moscow, where political activists — including Kremlin critic Vladimir Kara-Murza — are detained.

Moscow is witnessing increased traffic congestion as pro-Kremlin reports suggest Russians may be trying to exit the Capital at the moment.

A Russian Air Force Ka-52 “Alligator” attack helicopter is being reported to have bombed the oil refinery and depot in the City of Voronezh indicating that this was likely done to prevent its Capture by Wagner PMC Forces which are advancing the city from the South.

Wagner PMC has captured a military airfield in Voronezh region past Buturlinovka. Here, Wagner has T-72B3 tanks and Pantsir S1 SAMs which shot down a Russian military AN-24 transport plane  less than 3 hours ago.

Image: Telegram

Head of Crimea, Aksyonov, the head of the Kherson region, Saldo, and the governor of Sevastopol, Razvozhaev, declared their support for Russia's Presiden Vladimir Putin, pro-Kremlin channels are reporting.

Meanwhile, here's a look at the visual from Rostov Southern Military HQ where Prigozhin is presumably located.

Russian presidential plane that has taken off from Moscow's Vnukovo airport en route to St. Petersburg, air traffic data on FlightRadar24 shows. The tracking system was lost over Russia's northwestern Tver region, where one of Putin's residences is located. Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov has denied claims that the Russian leader had fled Moscow.

Image: FlightRadar24 

Russian military vehicles are flooding the City Center of Buturlinovka near Voronezh, Image: Telegram 

 "We seized the military headquarters building without firing a single shot," Wagner boss Prigozhin said in a statement. He also said on his Telegram that people have greeted his troops as 'liberators'. 

File Photo: Yevgeny Prigozhin, the owner of the Wagner Group military company, arrives during a funeral ceremony at the Troyekurovskoye cemetery in Moscow, Russia, on April 8, 2023, Image: AP

Summary of what's happened in the last few hours as PMC Wagner declares rebellion against Russia's Defense Ministry and leadership: 

• Wagner convoys moving in Krasnodar, Rostov and Voronezh towards Capital Moscow.
• -Putin addressed the nation, asked Wagner members to refuse Prigozhin's orders, and vowed a harsh response by the Russian military.
•  Most Oligarchs have pledged support for Putin, Chechen leader Kadyrov also released video for his support for the President of Russia, and declaring a fight against Wagner.
• Prigozhin said "it's over now, Russia must have a new President"
• Wagner has been planning this for months, lying about their ammunition shortages to stock up on huge stockpiles

Watch the exact moment the Russian forces airstrike on the PMC Wagner convoy on the M-4 highway.

Video of a possible airstrike against a Wagner convoy along the M4 highway #Russia pic.twitter.com/1XH7hifMto

— Michael A. Horowitz (@michaelh992)

Things are getting intense in Russia minute by minute as Russian forces continue to clash with the Wagner mercenary group. Here's a look at the situation on the ground. 

• The authorities of Abkhazia have strengthened control on the borders with Russia and Georgia and instructed to take critical infrastructure objects under protection.
• Wagner is moving through Babarynko and is about to pass Yefremov in Tula oblast, about 4 hours from Moscow
• Latvia strengthens the protection of the border with Russia, will not issue humanitarian and other visas to Russians, said the head of the country's Foreign Ministry

 “Uplifting prayers for a peaceful resolution of the current situation as the Celebrant(primate) of the Russian Orthodox Church, I urge those who, having taken up arms in their hands, is ready to direct them against their brethren, to come to their senses. In the face of a common threat, one must maintain the unity of mind, and overcome grievances and personal ambitions. No matter how difficult it may sometimes be. I support the efforts of the Head of the Russian State aimed at preventing unrest in our country. May the Lord protect Russia, its people and its army,” said Patriarch Kirill in his address.

Russian Orthodox Church Patriarch Kirill, left, conducts the Easter service accompanied by President Vladimir Putin, background right, Image: AP

Gunshots and explosions were heard near a Russian Ministry of Defense headquarters in the southern city of Rostov-on-Don, this was the same region where scores of Wagner Group were gathered to take part in the rebellion. 

Russian Defence Ministry headquarters in  Rostov-on-Don, Image: Telegram 

After reports emerged that the entry and exit of the Russian capitals were blocked, Moscow Mayor Sergei Sobyanin is denying the claims that entry and exit from the Russian capital Moscow had been restricted as law enforcement conduct an "anti-terrorist operation" against Wagner. "Due to heightened security measures for conducting verification, difficulties with traffic may arise. [But] there are no restrictions on entry and exit from the city," Sobyanin said on Telegram. 

"I urge you to remain calm. As the President emphasized in his address, our strength today lies in our unity and the consolidation of society."

Amid the ongoing turmoil, one of the Russian Presidential planes left Moscow. The reports are emerged after Putin said he will be working in the capital. 

The governor of Lipestsk region which is located between the city of Voronezh and the capital Moscow, has urged residents to avoid leaving their homes and to refrain from travelling. In the Lipetsk region all bus services to the Voronezh and on routes passing through it have been cancelled until further notice, the Russian authorities said.

Meanwhile, in Russia's southwestern Voronezh region, an "anti-terrorist operation" in the region is underway. "The armed forces of the Russian Federation are carrying out necessary operational and combat measures. I will keep you informed as the situation develops," Voronezh Governor Alexander Gusev said on Telegram. Gusev has asked local residents to avoid driving along the M4 highway, a major expressway that links the cities of Moscow, Voronezh, Rostov-on-Don and Krasnodar. Wagner Group are believed to be travelling along the highway toward the Russian capital.

Southern Military district (Image: Telegram)

▪️A counter-terrorist operation has been introduced in three regions: in Moscow city, as well as Moscow and Voronezh regions, with mass public events canceled in many others;

▪️In Rostov-on-Don, the situation is tense, but generally calm, as per reports;

▪️At 10 am Moscow time, Vladimir Putin addressed the nation, saying that Russia’s authorities will not allow the country to be split, and will protect its people. He added that those who “took the path of insurrection and terrorist methods, will suffer inevitable punishment.”

▪️The Rostov region authorities and retailers have said that there are enough stocks of food and essential goods;

▪️Regional authorities report large-scale closures on highways connecting Moscow with the south of the country. Airports and railways operate normally;

▪️There are not many comments from other countries yet, and those who have addressed events usually say they are monitoring developments. Some embassies urged their citizens to refrain from traveling to the Russian border regions.

▪️The situation at the frontline of the special military op is under the full control of the Russian Armed Forces.

Dump trucks full of sand are being placed at all entrances leading to Moscow. Russian Police have reportedly laid siege to St. Petersburg office of Wagner Group.

 Russian helicopter KA-52 deflects Wagner's anti-aircraft missile. This is the same helicopter which blowed up oil depot in Voronezh.

Explosion reported at the Headquarters of Southern Military District in Rostov. According to reports, this is the same building which PMC Wagner stormed earlier today. 

“The most important thing to defeat the external and internal enemy, who is hungry to tear our Motherland, to save our state, is to rally around the President, the Supreme Commander of the country's armed forces”, Medvedev said on Telegram

#BREAKING | Russia blows up bridge leading to Moscow: Report.#WagnerGroup #WagnerCoup #Russia #RussianCoup #VladimirPutin pic.twitter.com/irAOFwNomD

— Republic (@republic)

"Kassym-Jomart Tokayev noted that the events taking place are an internal matter of Russia. Constitutional order and the rule of law are a prerequisite for maintaining law and order in the country. This is the basis of the security of society and its successful development," reported the press service of the President of Kazakhstan.

#BREAKING | Russian President Vladimir Putin speaks to Kazakh President on the current situation in Russia.#RussiaWagnerChief #Russia #VladimirPutin#Wagner #RussianCoup #KazakhPresident pic.twitter.com/EiDb2y1da0

— Republic (@republic)

Dmitry Medvedev has been evacuated from Moscow with family and assistants amid Wagner coup threat, as per reports. 

#LIVE | Security tightened in Moscow as Wagner convoy heads to Moscow: Reports.

Tune in to WATCH here-https://t.co/6CjsNJaatY as
Patrick Lancaster reports #LIVE for Republic from Russia.#WagnerGroup #WagnerCoup #Russia #RussianCoup #VladimirPutin pic.twitter.com/I2R8GDhyIn

— Republic (@republic)

Putin has updated the leaders of Kazakhstan, Belarus and Uzbekistan regarding the situation in Russia, as per reports. 

According to reports, Wagner convoy now moving North towards Moscow on the M4 in Horse-Kolodezsky, Lipetsk Oblast, T-90S and BMP-2 on heavy equipment transporters.

Poland puts military on high alert amid developments in Russia

#BREAKING | Oil depot on fire in Voronezh, as per reports.#RussianCoup #RussiaUkraineWar #Russia #Wagner pic.twitter.com/OivRxjJQ6m

— Republic (@republic)

"Russia's weakness is obvious. A full-scale weakness. And the longer Russia keeps its troops and mercenaries on our soil, the more chaos, pain and problems it will have for itself. This, too, is obvious. Ukraine can protect Europe from the spread of Russian evil and chaos," Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy commented on recent events.

#LIVE | Republic is the only Indian Channel reporting from Rostov-On-Don.#RussiaWagnerChief#RussianCoup#RussiaUkraineWar pic.twitter.com/z55xAtwzed

— Republic (@republic)

Wagner-linked Telegram account says the 'civil war has officially begun'.

Everyone who chooses the path of evil destroys himself. Who sends columns of troops to destroy the lives of another country and cannot stop them from fleeing and betraying when life resists. Who terrorizes with missiles, and when they are shot down, humiliates himself to receive…

— Володимир Зеленський (@ZelenskyyUa)

#BREAKING | Wagner coup threat: Russian Army carrying out combat operations in Voronezh, says the Governor of Voronezh.#RussiaWagnerChief#RussiaUkraineWar #RussianCoup#RussiaUkraineWar pic.twitter.com/h8xRT9NATk

— Republic (@republic)

"The president was deeply mistaken about the betrayal of the motherland. We are all patriots of our homeland. We have fought and are fighting, and no one is going to surrender at the request of the president, the FSB, or anyone like that," said head of the Wagner PMC.

Prigozhin also accused Russian authorities of stealing all the money that was sent to help Africa, where the "Wagner" PMC fought, and then stopped issuing ammunition for the war in Ukraine.

#BREAKING | Wagner chief responds to Vladimir Putin, says 'The president was deeply mistaken about the betrayal of the motherland. We are all patriots of our homeland. We have fought and are fighting, and no one is going to surrender at the request of the president.'#RussianCoup pic.twitter.com/CkztVgOyIM

— Republic (@republic)

Russian mercenary leader Yevgeny Prigozhin denies President Vladimir Putin's allegation of betrayal and calls his fighters patriots

Russia's National Anti-Terrorism Committee, which is part of the Federal Security Services, or FSB, had charged Wagner owner Yeveny Prigozhin with calling for an armed rebellion, which carries a penalty of up to 20 years in prison.
 
 

The head of PMK "Wagner" declares that despite the "control" over the air forces in Rostov, it does not prevent them from "working at the front".

The Head of the Chechen Republic, Ramzan Kadyrov has finally come out and said that he is in Full-Support of Russian President Vladimir Putin and that his National Guard Forces are currently moving against Wagner PMC Positions in the Rostov Region

#BREAKING | Heavy military presence in Serpukhov; Bridge near Serpukhov blocked and Russian Defence troops stationed: Reports.#RussiaWagnerChief#RussiaUkraineWar #RussianCoup#RussiaUkraineWar https://t.co/6CjsNJaatY pic.twitter.com/DKz9auKaHJ

— Republic (@republic)

The PMC Wagner Centre in Russia's St. Petersberg has been raided by law enforcement officials. 

Chechen leader Ramzan Kadyrov has revealed that he has deployed his soldiers to fight the Wagner mercenary group and squash the armed rebellion.  

Kherson's Acting Vladimir Saldo said on Saturday that Wagner's coup has not impacted the situation in the region so far.

"The situation in Kherson region is under the full control of civil authorities and military command. There are no attempts by any individuals or organizations to destabilize the situation in the region," Saldo said on Telegram.

An Antonov An-26 aircraft of the Russian military was shot down by Wagner troops. 

#BREAKING | Russian An-26 appears to have been shot down by Wagner forces.#UkraineRussiaWar️ #RussianCoup

Tune in -- https://t.co/6CjsNJaatY pic.twitter.com/h97MdZPsFE

— Republic (@republic)

Russian forces have reportedly surrendered to Wagner fighters as the group's rebellion intensifies. 

#BREAKING | Wagner tanks on the streets of Voronezh, Russian soldiers have reportedly surrendered. #RussianCoup #RussiaUkraineConflict

Tune in - https://t.co/6CjsNJaatY pic.twitter.com/HVe12JTlgD

— Republic (@republic)

Amidst the Russian infighting, President Vladimir Putin spoke to his Belarusian counterpart Alexander Lukashenko about the escalating domestic situation. 

An image circulating on social media shows a Russian helicopter that was downed in the Voronezh region. 

Refusing to interfere, the European Union (EU) has said that what is happening in Russia is an "internal affair" but that it is "monitoring the situation". 

The Russian Air Force has reportedly bombed Wagner Group vehicles on the strategic M4 highway that leads to Moscow.

#LIVE | Russian Air Force has reportedly bombed Wagner vehicles on the strategic M4 highway that leads to Moscow.#RussianCoup #RussiaUkraineWar

Tune in - https://t.co/6CjsNJaatY pic.twitter.com/oSmXLcQZOz

— Republic (@republic)

Wagner leader Yevgeny Prigozhin said on Saturday that the Russian military leadership should come and meet him in Rostov-on-Don, the city that is now in the control of the mercenary group.  

"We have arrived here, we want to receive the chief of the general staff and Shoigu. Unless they come, we'll be here, we'll blockade the city of Rostov and head for Moscow," he said in a video message shared on pro-Wagner Telegram channel Razgruzka Wagnera. 

The private military company has taken control of the following places in Rostov city- 

• Southern Military District Headquarters
• Police Department 
• Ministry of Internal Affairs Main Directorate
• Federal Security Service
• Rostov Administration

A correspondent for Sputnik said that the current situation in the city of Rostov is tense, with Wagner fighters and their tanks occupying the streets.

  (Image: Sputnik)

Wagner Group warned Putin that he made "the wrong choice" and the country will soon have a "new president". 

In his televised speech, Vladimir Putin pledged to defend the Russian constitution as the country faces "treason" from the very "heroes who liberated Donbas." He further warned that the Kremlin's answer will be "harsh". 

The Russian MoD has appealed to Wagner fighters to halt the attempted coup. Here are the key points from the statement- 

• Members were tricked into Prigozhin's criminal adventure and participation in an armed rebellion.
• Many comrades from several squads have already realized their mistake by asking for help in ensuring the ability to safely return to their points of permanent deployment.
• Such assistance from ther MoD has already been provided to all the fighters and commanders who applied.
• The Russian Defense Ministry guarantees everyone's safety.

The Russian ministry warned members of the Wagner mercenary group to not take part in the "armed coup". Furthermore, it said that the fighters must not fall for chief Yevgeny Prigozhin's "criminal adventure".  

Here are the key points that Putin made in his address to the nation-

1. He said that at night he spoke with the commanders of all directions: the troops are fighting heroically
2. "I appeal to the Russians, the military and law enforcement agencies and to those who were pushed onto the path of armed rebellion by deceit and threats," Putin said
3. He called for unity, consolidation and responsibility
4. Any strife should be discarded during the period of the special operation, the fate of our people is now being decided  
5. Putin called actions to split the unity - apostasy
6. What we are facing is betrayal
7. The authorities will not let the split in Russia repeat, we will protect the people
8. Everyone who deliberately embarked on the path of betrayal will suffer inevitable punishment
9. The armed forces received the appropriate orders
10. Actions will be taken to stabilize the situation in Rostov-on-Don 

It all began when Wagner owner Yevgeny Prigozhin accused Moscow's troops of launching a rocket attack on the group's camps in Ukraine at the behest of Russian Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu. After the allegation, Russian authorities launched a criminal probe against Prigozhin over his attempts to oust Shoigu. 

Tap here to know more. 

Transport services and events across Russia faced disruptions as a result of the armed mutiny. On the morning of Saturday,  offices in St. Petersburg were raided, while universities in the cities of Rostov and Voronezh shifted examinations to the online mode. Locals in Moscow and other central-south regions have been warmed of potential rail and bus disruptions. 

Wagner head Yevgeny Prigozhin declared on Friday that the operation by his troops is not a military coup, "but a march of justice" for his servicemen who were allegedly attacked by the Russian military in Ukraine. 

Russian President Vladimir Putin commenced his televised address amid the unrest sparked by the Wagner group. 

All public events and gatherings have been cancelled in Moscow as Wagner troops march towards the Russian capital. 

The Russian mercenary group has claimed that it has gained control of the defence facilities in the city of Voronezh, which lies about 500 km south of Moscow. 

A former ally of Russian President Vladimir Putin, Yevgeny Prigozhin serves as the chief of the private military group Wagner. He has called for an armed rebellion that aims to oust Russia's Defence Minister Sergei Shoigu. Tap here to know more about him. 

Major security measures have been enforced in Russia's Moscow as the Wagner coup erupts. The group has advanced towards the capital, which remains on high alert. 

Russia has announced a counter-terrorism regime in order to grant its security teams more powers in the wake of the Wagner group's rebellion, according to the National Antiterrorism Committee. 

Russian President Vladimir Putin will soon be delivering a televised address as the situation intensifies in Russia, particularly in Rostov and Moscow.