Voronezh Region: Road Closures, Anti-Terrorism Regime, and Kremlin Statements

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The governor of Russia’s Voronezh region, Alexander Gusev, announced that more than 300 kilometers of the M-4 Don highway in the area have been closed to traffic. He conveyed the current situation clearly, noting that traffic is halted from kilometer marker 464 to 777 along the M-4 Don within the region. In a public appeal broadcast through the region’s telegraph channel, Gusev urged residents to avoid traveling on regional and local roads to help streamline emergency and security operations during the disruption.

Earlier, officials from the National Anti-Terrorism Committee indicated the potential introduction of an anti-terrorist operation regime in the Voronezh region as well as in Moscow and the Moscow region. This marks the first deployment of such a regime in these areas, which would grant law enforcement agencies additional powers to manage security concerns, including measures like wiretapping, enhanced document checks, and the towing of vehicles when deemed necessary for public safety and rapid response. The decision signals a heightened level of precaution in response to evolving security assessments and related risks.

On June 23, the Ministry of Defense of the Russian Federation released a statement on behalf of Yevgeny Prigozhin, the founder of the Wagner private military company, indicating that social media posts and videos alleging an assault by the RF Ministry of Defense on Wagner’s rear camps do not reflect reality and should be considered informational provocations. The clarification aimed to address widespread rumors circulating online and to prevent misinterpretations that could intensify tensions or provoke additional unauthorized actions. The ministry stressed the importance of relying on official channels for accurate information during this period of heightened activity.

In parallel, Dmitry Peskov, the press secretary for the President of Russia, and other senior officials have commented on the situation surrounding Prigozhin, emphasizing vigilance and caution in interpreting unofficial reports. Their remarks underscore the government’s intent to maintain controlled communication and transparency while monitoring the impact of Prigozhin’s statements on public sentiment and regional security dynamics.

Following Prigozhin’s public remarks, the National Counter-Terrorism Committee announced that it had filed a legal action addressing incitement to military rebellion, signaling that authorities are prepared to pursue formal measures against actions or rhetoric perceived as directly or indirectly destabilizing. The move reflects ongoing efforts to balance freedom of expression with the need to safeguard operational stability and national security in a volatile environment. Officials stressed that all steps taken are aimed at maintaining public order and ensuring the safety of personnel and civilians in affected areas.

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