The head of the Russian Wagner mercenary group, Yevgeny Prigozhin, declared in absentia against the Russian Ministry of Defense, signaling an assertion of control over key military command in Rostov, located in the south of Russia. He stated in a video posted to Telegram that, at 07:30 Moscow time, joint staff forces were inspecting Rostov military facilities, including the airport, while the situation unfolded.
“Airplanes normally take off for combat missions, and medical aviation is operating as usual. The goal is to stop the attack aviation from bombing us and to direct it toward the Ukrainians,” he claimed. He added that the main command was functioning normally and that no officer had abandoned his post. If anyone suggests Wagner disrupted the front, he argued, that was not the case. The assertion implied the group’s role did not hinge on causing a collapse but rather on strategic decisions on the battlefield.
Prigozhin asserted that during their presence in Rostov, several critical observations were made. He claimed substantial territorial losses, high casualty figures, and a misalignment between official documents and televised reports. He alleged that on some days losses reached significant levels, including dead, missing personnel, wounded soldiers, and defectors who could not continue fighting due to lack of ammunition or clear orders. He suggested that proximity to the Chief of Staff forced a quick retreat by those in charge, framing it as a strategic withdrawal rather than a failure of the operation.
Earlier, a Wagner-linked Telegram channel posted footage of Prigozhin meeting with Deputy Defense Minister Yunus-Bek Evkurov and Deputy Chief of General Staff Vladimir Alexeev in Rostov-on-Don. In that message, Prigozhin claimed that his forces would block the city and push toward Moscow unless Wagner secured the removal of top Russian military leaders Valery Gerasimov and Sergei Shoigu from power or influence.
Armored vehicles and armed men in the streets
Reports from Rostov described armored vehicles and armed personnel near key administrative buildings. While local observers noted the presence of combat-ready units, Prigozhin had not publicly confirmed the capture of any facilities or positions by his forces.
Prigozhin had previously claimed a force of 25,000 with him. In a later message, he indicated that between 60 and 70 more individuals had reportedly joined the effort, signaling a possible uptick in manpower as events unfolded.
Regional authorities, including the governor, issued guidance for residents to stay indoors and avoid unnecessary travel. Public events were canceled, and transportation routes were adjusted to minimize disruption as officials monitored the situation.
Meanwhile, the Russian Prosecutor General’s Office opened a case against Prigozhin for organizing an armed riot, which could bring a lengthy prison sentence if convictions are secured. The legal move underscored the severity with which authorities treated the crisis around the Wagner faction.
Counter-terrorism measures
In response to the rebellion narrative, Moscow and the surrounding region intensified counter-terrorism precautions aimed at strengthening security. The mayor of Moscow stated that incoming information was being closely reviewed and that additional safety measures were being enforced, including tighter road checks and potential limits on public events.
The regional authorities reiterated that security measures were strengthened and that law enforcement and the Federal Security Service were actively managing the situation. Officials noted that the situation remained under control and that operational measures were in place to safeguard residents and critical infrastructure.