War in Ukraine: Prigozhin reportedly sought to capture high-ranking Russian Defense Ministry officials

The leader of the Wagner paramilitary group, Yevgeny Prigozhin, sought to detain senior Russian defense officials, but his plans were thwarted by last week’s mutiny, the Wall Street Journal said on Wednesday.

According to an American newspaper citing anonymous Western officials, he wanted to capture Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu and Chief of Staff Valery Gerasimov during the latter’s trip to the south of the country.

But this plan became known to the special services of the FSB of Russia, and both officials changed their route, the publication adds. This forced the Wagner leader to realize his plans, and on Friday his troops captured the Russian army headquarters in Rostov-on-Don, which was crucial in leading the war in Ukraine before starting the “march” on Moscow.

“Incompetent”

On Saturday, he turned around sharply, explaining in an audio message on Monday that he wants to save his organization, not take over. Wagner’s chief, who has been in Belarus since Tuesday, has been accusing the defense minister and chief of staff for months of incompetence and of sending tens of thousands of soldiers to sacrifice in Ukraine.

For its part, the New York Times, citing unnamed officials, also assured us on Wednesday that Russian General Sergei Surovikin had advance knowledge of Yevgeny Prigozhin’s plans for the rebellion. “Gossip,” according to Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov.

The New York daily reported that US officials were “trying to find out if General Surovikin helped plan Prigozhin’s moves over the weekend.” He wonders if Wagner’s boss has been supported by other senior Russian military leaders.

VIDEO. Wagner against Putin: Prigozhin assured control over military facilities in Rostov

The head of the National Guard, Viktor Zolotov, who is close to Russian President Vladimir Putin and quoted by the Russian news agency Interfax, assessed on Tuesday that the mutiny was “prepared and inspired by Western intelligence agencies” who “knew about it.” weeks before it starts.