Traffic Restrictions and Developments in Russia’s M-4 Don Corridor
Traffic restrictions remain in place on the M-4 Don highway through the Moscow and Tula regions, with updates reported by the Avtodor telegraph channel. Local authorities and regional traffic management continue to monitor conditions and enforce limits as advised by regional decision makers.
Regional notices indicate that traffic restrictions in both the Tula and Moscow regions persist along the M-4 Don, reflecting ongoing changes tied to the broader security and stability situation in the area.
Earlier reports from the Federal Highway Agency Rosavtodor noted that all restrictions on routes previously heightened due to the situation involving the Wagner private military company were lifted. Restrictions had been observed on the M-4 Don, the M-2 Krym, and additional routes moving south from Moscow as a precautionary measure.
Additionally, in the Lipetsk region there were signs of activity near sites associated with heavy equipment connected to Wagner. Local authorities reported work underway at pits in front of passageways used by equipment, a move to support access and safety considerations in the area.
On the evening of June 23, statements from Wagner private military company founder Yevgeny Prigozhin claimed that forces associated with the Russian Defense Ministry had attacked rear camps and that his fighters were advancing toward Moscow with a plan described as a march for justice. The defense ministry denied the charges. The Prosecutor General’s Office filed a lawsuit alleging that Prigozhin organized an armed riot, contributing to the evolving security narrative.
By the morning of June 24, Wagner units reportedly took control of administrative facilities in Rostov-on-Don. President Vladimir Putin began moving toward Moscow, criticizing Prigozhin and his leaders, calling the actions a betrayal and warning of consequences. Support for a collective response came from the State Duma, the Federation Council, and several regional leaders. Chechen forces reportedly joined the mobilization in Rostov to support security operations.
Later that day, a Belarusian presidential press service indicated that negotiations had taken place. Alexander Lukashenko and Prigozhin were said to have reached an agreement on an acceptable solution that would guarantee safety for the fighters involved. Prigozhin, while addressing the situation, announced a decision to reverse movement of his columns and redirect them back toward field camps. The evolving developments continued to shape the regional security and political dialogue in the days that followed, with official statements and subsequent assessments shaping public understanding of the incident. [citation] [citation] [citation]