Reuters news agency has not been able to confirm the above information.
Earlier, the head of the Wagner private military organization, Yevgeny Prigozhin, announced on June 24 that he was at the military headquarters in Rostov-on-Don, southern Russia, and that his forces controlled the city's military posts, including an airport.
Wagner soldiers are deployed near the military headquarters of Rostov-on-Don city - Russia on June 24. Photo: Reuters
The statement came just hours after he revealed Wagner soldiers had crossed the border from Ukraine into Russia and were ready to go to the end against the Russian army.
Russia's military headquarters in Rostov-on-Don is a key logistical base for the offensive in Ukraine.
In a video from the Rostov-on-Don region, Mr Prigozhin claimed that Chief of the General Staff of the Russian armed forces Valery Gerasimov "ran away" when he learned that his forces were approaching his headquarters.
Russian media, including RT and TASS, have published images and videos showing armed men surrounding administrative buildings in Rostov and tanks driving through the city center. However, it is unclear which side they are on.
Wagner claims to have captured military headquarters in Rostov-on-Don and Voronezh. Photo: ABC News
Russian authorities block off streets in Rostov-on-Don. Photo: EPA-EFE
According to Reuters , Mr. Prigozhin has pledged to oust Mr. Gerasimov and Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu. Authorities in Moscow and the surrounding region said they had declared a state of emergency to combat terrorism. Mayor Sergei Sobyanin said on his Telegram channel that security was being tightened in the capital.
According to TASS, a similar anti-terrorist regime has been activated in Voronezh. The governor of Voronezh said the situation there is stable and asked everyone to remain calm. All major events in Rostov-on-Don, Lipestk and Voronezh regions have been canceled.
Russian President Vladimir Putin on June 24 gave a speech about the events surrounding Mr. Yevgeny Prigozhin, head of the private military company Wagner.
Speaking on television, President Putin said that Mr. Prigozhin's uprising plot was a betrayal of Russia and its people.
Chief of the General Staff of the Russian Armed Forces Valery Gerasimov and Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu (left). Photo: Sputnik
Countries closely monitoring
In Washington, a White House spokesman said President Joe Biden had been briefed on the situation. The Polish president said he had held consultations with the prime minister and defense ministry about the situation in Russia, adding that Warsaw was monitoring the situation.
The British Ministry of Defense said Russia was facing its biggest security challenge in recent times. Meanwhile, the Elysee Palace said French President Emmanuel Macron was closely monitoring the situation in Russia and France remained focused on supporting Ukraine.
Source
Comment (0)