Latest Developments: Russian Mercenary Leader Yevgeny Prigozhin Sparks Armed Rebellion
In a recent update on the armed rebellion initiated by Yevgeny Prigozhin, the Russian mercenary chief, notable political figures have entered the conversation. On Saturday, U.S. President Joe Biden engaged in discussions with French President Emmanuel Macron, German Chancellor Olaf Scholz, and British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak concerning the ongoing situation in Russia. The White House issued a statement confirming that the four leaders expressed their unwavering support for Ukraine throughout their dialogue. However, U.S. officials demonstrated caution in further involvement, as they aimed to avoid making any remarks that might be misconstrued as taking sides in what appears to be an internal conflict.
Alleged Russian Mercenaries Shoot Down Helicopters: Unverified Reports
On Saturday, a prominent Russian military blogger, Yevgeny Poddubny, claimed that Wagner mercenaries had successfully downed a Russian Ka-52 helicopter gunship in the Voronezh region. According to Poddubny, both crew members tragically lost their lives in the incident. Supporting his claim, he shared photographs revealing the charred remnants of the helicopter.
Several Russian media outlets and military bloggers also reported supposed helicopter assaults on advancing Wagner convoys.
Additionally, another well-known blogger, a former military pilot who goes by the pseudonym “Fighterbomber,” stated that Wagner forces had targeted two Mi-8 helicopters and an Il-18 communications aircraft belonging to the Russian Air Force earlier that same Saturday.
As of now, the Russian military has refrained from commenting on these allegations, and their accuracy remains unverified due to the absence of independent confirmation.
Restrictions Imposed in Moscow Region Amidst Armed Rebellion Threat
In response to the declaration made by the leader of the private Russian military company Wagner, stating that his mercenaries were en route to Moscow for an armed rebellion against the Russian defense minister, Governor Andrei Vorobyov has taken precautionary measures. On Saturday, the governor issued a decree suspending mass public events held outdoors and at educational institutions in the region surrounding Russia’s capital until July 1.
It’s important to note that the governor’s decree applies to the areas surrounding Moscow and not the city itself. Nonetheless, Moscow Mayor Sergei Sobyanin cautioned that traffic might be restricted in certain parts of the capital as part of the counter-terrorism operation initiated in response to the rebellion.
The implementation of the counter-terrorism operation grants authorities the ability to enhance security measures, enforce traffic and communication restrictions, and conduct searches without warrants. However, it remains unclear whether a curfew will be imposed at this time.
Furthermore, the mayor announced Monday as a non-working day for most individuals, excluding public servants and employees of specific industrial enterprises. These measures are taken as a precautionary response to the escalating situation caused by the armed rebellion threat.
Heightened Security Measures in Moscow as Wagner Mercenaries Prompt Counter-Terrorism Operation
In response to the rebellion led by mercenaries affiliated with the private military company Wagner, Moscow’s mayor, Sergei Sobyanin, issued a warning on Saturday regarding potential traffic restrictions in certain parts of the Russian capital. These measures have been implemented as part of an intensified security protocol initiated following the mercenaries’ actions.
Mayor Sobyanin appealed to the residents of Moscow, urging them to refrain from using their cars during this period of heightened security. Furthermore, he announced that Monday would be designated as a non-working day for most individuals, except for public servants and select employees of industrial enterprises.
Sobyanin emphasized the readiness of all essential city services and encouraged residents to promptly report any emergencies that may arise during this time. These steps have been taken to ensure the safety and well-being of the city’s inhabitants in light of the ongoing counter-terrorism operation prompted by the actions of the Wagner mercenaries.