The regional government in Tula reported that Governor Alexei Dyumin continues to oversee the province’s administration with ongoing efforts to safeguard residents and keep critical infrastructure functioning. A statement from the regional government’s press service clarified that direct negotiations with Yevgeny Prigozhin, founder of the Wagner private military company, fall outside the governor’s remit.
The press service emphasized that Dyumin remains focused on stable governance within his constitutional authority, including public safety and essential services, and that questions about any talks with Prigozhin are not within the governor’s powers to decide.
This clarification was provided in response to inquiries about whether Dyumin participated in negotiations related to Prigozhin’s group.
Former presidential spokesperson Dmitry Peskov had earlier stated that the criminal case against Yevgeny Prigozhin would be terminated, aligning with unspecified official considerations.
On the evening of June 23, Prigozhin claimed that forces from Russia’s Defense Ministry had attacked the rear camps of Wagner, and that his fighters were advancing toward Moscow in a so‑called “march for justice.” The Defense Ministry denied the charges, while the Prosecutor General’s Office prepared a suit accusing Prigozhin of organizing an armed riot.
The morning of June 24 saw Wagner forces seize administrative buildings in Rostov-on-Don as President Vladimir Putin reportedly moved toward the capital. Putin condemned the actions as a betrayal and warned Prigozhin and his subordinates of consequences. The action was supported by the State Duma, the Federation Council, and regional leaders, and Chechen units were dispatched to Rostov to help restore order.
That evening, Belarusian officials released a briefing indicating that Lukashenko and Prigozhin held talks, resulting in an arrangement described as an acceptable resolution that would ensure security for Wagner personnel. Prigozhin subsequently announced a reversal of his expeditionary columns and a return to field camps.