According to TASS news agency, Russia's FSB security service has opened a criminal case against Mr Prigozhin. They called on forces from the private military company Wagne to arrest him.
Russian mercenary tycoon Yevgeny Prigozhin. Photo: Reuters
Mr Prigozhin said in an audio recording posted on Telegram that Wagner fighters had entered the southern Russian city of Rostov. He said he and his men would destroy anyone who stood in their way.
Prigozhin had previously said, without providing evidence, that Russia's military leadership had killed a large number of his servicemen in an airstrike and vowed to punish them. He said his actions were not a military coup.
Security was stepped up on Friday evening at government buildings, transport facilities and other important locations in Moscow, TASS reported, citing a security agency source.
The news agency also said Russian President Vladimir Putin had been receiving constant updates on the incident, while the White House said it was monitoring the situation and would consult with allies.
Meanwhile, Kiev said the main forces in the counter-offensive had not yet been deployed.
A top Ukrainian general has reported “tangible successes” in advances in the south, one of two main battlegrounds, along with eastern Ukraine.
The deputy commander of Russia's Ukrainian operation, General Sergei Surovikin, demanded that Wagner fighters obey Putin, accept Moscow's command and return to their bases.
Wagner led the capture of the Ukrainian city of Bakhmut last month, Russia's biggest victory in 10 months.
Hoang Nam (according to TASS, Reuters)
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