The witch hunt continues within the Russian army.
At least 13 senior officers of the Russian army were arrested and detained for questioning after the armed rebellion of the private paramilitary group Wagner led by its founder Yevguéni Prigozhinaccording to wall street journal (WSJ), citing US sources.
The FSB (Russian intelligence services) would have launched the first arrests a few hours after the aborted rebellion of Prigojine and his men, assure these sources.
In order to “clean up the ranks”, a fifteen Russian officers have already been suspended or fired, reports the Russian opposition media Medusa.
Those detained by the FSB reportedly include the Commander of the Aerospace Forces of the Russian Federation, Deputy Commander of Russian troops in Ukraine, Army General Sergei Surovikinaccording to WSJ sources.
No longer reappeared since June 24
Highly appreciated by Russian troops and feared by Westerners, Sergei Surovikin did not not seen since the morning of June 24, where he had recorded a call to the mercenaries of Wagnerurging them to “stop” their march on Moscow.
Surovikin is reportedly still being held in Moscow, but not in a penitentiary. He was reportedly interrogated several times about the rebellion. FSB agents reportedly concluded that the general was aware of the rebellion’s plans, but had not participated in them. No charges have been brought against him so far. Sources say the general could be released as soon as Vladimir Poutine will decide.
His deputy, Colonel General Andrey Yudin, and Deputy Chief of Military Intelligence, Lieutenant General Vladimir Alekseev, were also arrested. releasedbut suspended from their duties in the army, their movements would be restricted.
Among these senior officers arrested is also former Colonel General Mikhail Mizintsev, former Deputy Minister of Defense of the Russian Federation. He had led the assault on Mariupol and since April 2023 had been working with Prigozhin and the Wagner Group.