Counterterrorism operation regime introduced in Moscow, as well as in Moscow and Voronezh regions
In the capital of the aggressor state, Moscow, and the Moscow and Voronezh regions, a counterterrorism operation regime has been introduced. This is reported by Russian propaganda media. It is stated that such measures were taken in order to prevent possible terrorist acts in these regions.
On the roads of Moscow and the aforementioned regions, additional control was introduced, roadblocks were installed to check cars. All previously planned mass events were canceled. As previously reported, on the morning of June 24, the center of the Russian city of Rostov-on-Don was occupied by armed men and armored vehicles.
Armored vehicles in the center of Rostov, June 24, 2023
Later, on its social media, PMC Wagner reported that they had already entered Voronezh.
"Military facilities in Voronezh were taken under the control of PMC Wagner. The army is switching sides with the people," it said. Earlier, the Russian Prosecutor General's Office announced the initiation of a criminal case against the owner of PMC Wagner, Yevgeny Prigozhin, on the fact of organizing a military rebellion.
Armed men near the building of the headquarters of the Ministry of Internal Affairs and the FSB in the Rostov region
The reason for the proceedings was Prigozhin's public statements, which he published through his press service on June 23.
The owner of PMC Wagner said that 25,000 of his subordinates were starting the March of Justice against the military leadership of the Russian Federation. In particular, against Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu and Chief of the General Staff of the Russian Armed Forces Valery Gerasimov.
BTR-82A on the street in Rostov-on-Don, June 23, 2023
At the same time, Prigozhin promised to destroy everyone who would prevent his actions. In particular, he voiced threats to security forces who would put up roadblocks.
The owner of the PMC promised to shoot down the aviation that would be used against his mercenaries. According to Prigozhin, he decided to enter into open conflict with the Ministry of Defense and the army after the positions of the PMC Wagner mercenaries had been shelled by the Russian Armed Forces. Telegram channels associated with Prigozhin published a video allegedly of the consequences of the shelling.
He himself claimed a large death toll.
A frame from the video of the "fire" on the positions of the PMC Wagner
The Ministry of Defense of the Russian Federation said that the messages and videos circulating on social networks on behalf of Yevgeny Prigozhin about the alleged "task of the Ministry of Defense of the Russian Federation to strike at the rear camps of PMC Wagner" were untrue and an information provocation. In the morning, the Russian Ministry of Defense addressed to the fighters of the PMC Wagner with the following message: "You were tricked into Prigozhin's criminal adventure and participation in an armed rebellion.
Many of your comrades from several units have already realized their mistake, asking for help in ensuring the ability to safely return to the points of permanent deployment. Such assistance from our side to all the fighters and commanders who applied has already been provided. Please show prudence and immediately get in touch with representatives of the Ministry of Defense of the Russian Federation or law enforcement agencies.
We guarantee safety to everyone."
Fire at the crash site of the Russian helicopter, June 24, 2023
PMC Wagner mercenaries have already destroyed three Russian military helicopters.
According to the relevant telegram channels, the Wagnerians shot down two Mi-8MTPR electronic warfare helicopters (EW), as well as a Mi-35 attack helicopter.