The Kremlin has denied that any of its generals knew of the Wagner mercenaries’ plans to revolt. American media suspect that other senior Russian military officials also withheld information. Putin’s confidant Dimitri Peskov speaks of “gossip”.
The Kremlin has dismissed a report in the US media as “speculation” that Russia’s deputy chief of staff Sergei Surovikin allegedly knew in advance of mercenary chief Yevgeny Prigozhin’s uprising plan. “There is now a lot of speculation and gossip about these events,” Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said Wednesday, according to Russian news agencies. “I think that’s an example of that.”
The military and the population “all stood with the president” during the uprising, Peskov said. The US newspaper “New York Times” had previously reported, citing US security circles, that Surovikin knew about the Wagner Group’s uprising in advance.
Did General help plan a coup?
US officials now wanted to know if the Army general might have helped plan. The newspaper also writes that according to information from the US secret services, there are indications that other Russian generals may have been aware of Prigozhin’s plans. According to the report, US officials believe Prigozhin would not have launched his uprising had he not believed others would come to his aid.
Surovikin is considered an ally of Prigozhin, but he sided with the power apparatus in Moscow on Saturday evening. In a video message, Surovikin called Prigozhin to end the power struggle.
It is unclear what will happen to Surovikin. Senior US officials also suspected that an alliance between Surovikins and Prigozhin might explain why Prigozhin was still alive after the uprising, the New York Times continued.
Surprisingly, Prigozhin returned
Wagner boss Prigozhin had meanwhile occupied the southern Russian city of Rostov-on-Don on Saturday and then marched his fighters towards Moscow. Surprisingly, he gave up about 200 kilometers from the Russian capital.
Belarusian ruler Alexander Lukashenko mediated in the conflict. Putin assured Prigozhin and his mercenaries of impunity. According to Lukashenko, Prigozhin has now arrived in Belarus.
Source: Krone
I am Wallace Jones, an experienced journalist. I specialize in writing for the world section of Today Times Live. With over a decade of experience, I have developed an eye for detail when it comes to reporting on local and global stories. My passion lies in uncovering the truth through my investigative skills and creating thought-provoking content that resonates with readers worldwide.
