Russian President Vladimir Putin says an “armed mutiny” by the Wagner Group is treason, adding that “decisive action” will be taken against them.
The authorities in Moscow and the surrounding area say they have declared a “counterterrorism” state of emergency after Wagner boss Yevgeny Prigozhin claimed his forces were in control of military sites in Rostov.
President Putin decries “betrayal” and “treason” following a dramatic challenge by the chief of the Wagner mercenary force
Prigozhin called for a rebellion against the army – although he has denied attempting a coup
Without mentioning Prigozhin by name, Putin vowed to punish those behind the armed mutiny
He acknowledged that the situation in the southern city of Rostov-on-Don, taken by Wagner, remained difficult
Wagner says it controls the city near the Ukraine border, where residents have been told to stay indoors
On Friday night, security in Russia was tightened, the internet was restricted and military trucks were spotted on Moscow streets
Prigozhin accused the army of launching a deadly attack on his forces in Ukraine, where Wagner troops are fighting for Russia – Moscow denies this
