Putin vows to crush Wagner Group CEO for armed mutiny

Russian President Vladimir Putin has pledged to smash renegade mercenary head Yevgeny Prigozhin amid an armed revolt.

Putin’s ultimatum comes after the mercenary head said on Saturday that he had taken control of a southern city in an attempt to destabilise the military leadership.

Wagner Group, a Russian military contractor, also claimed control of the Rostov-on-Don area, including the city’s airport.

President Putin, on the other hand, labelled any disturbance a “deadly threat” and warned of dire repercussions.

Wagner Group fighters, according to reports, have continued to advance in sections of Russia.

Meanwhile, the Wager Group’s CEO claims to have brought down a Russian army helicopter as well.

Tensions rose between Wagner Group Chief and Russian Defence Minister Yevgeny Prigozhin when Prigozhin accused Russia of treason and deceit, claiming that Russia’s military leadership had murdered 2,000 of its fighters.

Following the charges, the Russian defence ministry issued a statement claiming that Wagner’s claims are false and accusing the military group’s leader of inciting “armed rebellion and fueling civil war.”

The Wagner Group, commanded by Prigozhin, was instrumental in the capture of Bakhmut city in eastern Ukraine and has warned of rising tensions and revolution in Russia.

Meanwhile, Russian military have reported tight security in Moscow, Russia’s capital.