Staff Reports
The Kremlin has taken an action that has left many perplexed. They have apprehended a high-ranking Russian military officer with ties to the Wagner group's rebellion. The deputy commander of the combined Russian forces in Ukraine, General Sergei Surovikin, has been arrested. Surovikin was last seen on Saturday in a "hostage-style" video in which he called off the march of the mercenary party commanded by Yevgeny Prigozhin. Surovikin appears to have chosen the incorrect side in this rebellion, and he is now paying the consequence.
Kremlin Arrests Top Russian Military General Linked to Wagner Group's Rebellion https://t.co/HpVZPuAEei
— RedState (@RedState) June 29, 2023
Surovikin's detention has been described in detail by sources close to the Ministry of Defense. According to one source, he sided with Prigozhin during the uprising, after which they "grabbed him by the balls." Ouch! According to a second source, Surovikin's motivation was to attain authority. This general appears to have been power-hungry and willing to do anything to attain it. How typical of those in positions of authority. No surprise that he put himself into difficulty.
“Stop the columns and return” … Surovikin calls the Wagner leadership to stop.
-> There we’re no moving Wagner columns actually reported … but we’ll see. It’s bizzare. https://t.co/Jew92ZFsSX pic.twitter.com/yBFBFwGQud
— Lord Bebo (@MyLordBebo) June 23, 2023
New: Two planes linked to Wagner CEO Yevgeny Prigozhin have landed at a Belarusian airbase outside of Minsk,
according to a satellite image from BlackSky. Prigozhin's exact whereabouts still unconfirmed but Belarus’ leader Lukashenko claimed earlier “[Prigozhin] is in Belarus.” pic.twitter.com/0aiQXJTaZQ— Jim Sciutto (@jimsciutto) June 27, 2023
But there's more. Surovikin may have been aware of Wagner's intentions in advance, according to media reports citing U.S. intelligence sources. They are currently investigating whether he collaborated with Wagner in the attempted revolt. How these high-ranking officials can be involved in such dubious business is astounding. It just goes to demonstrate that power corrupts, as Surovikin appears to have fallen victim to corruption.
Regarding Prigozhin, he escaped and sought refuge in Belarus. He took a private aircraft there, leaving his accomplices behind. It is always fascinating to observe these masterminds evade justice. The United States, however, will not let him off the hook so easily. The Treasury Department has imposed sanctions on Wagner's activities in Africa and is seeking Prigozhin's extradition if he appears in a country with which the United States has an extradition treaty. It appears that Prigozhin's days of liberty may be numbered.
Russian President Vladimir Putin is reorganizing the military as this spectacle transpires. He is increasing the size of Russia's National Guard by adding tanks and heavy artillery. It appears that he is taking no chances after Wagner's revolt. Concerns about a prospective Wagner army expansion in Belarus have put the NATO member states on high alert. Secretary General of NATO Jens Stoltenberg made it abundantly clear that the alliance is prepared to defend itself against any threat. It is always beneficial to have a solid defense, particularly when coping with shady individuals like Wagner.
The Biden administration has announced another aid package for Ukraine amidst all of this turmoil. They are dispatching weapons worth over $500 million, including artillery, tanks, and armored personnel carriers. It appears that the United States is determined to aid Ukraine in its fight against Russian aggression. It's fortunate that we have a strong leader in the White House who recognizes the significance of standing up to our enemies.
Russia has been quite an adventure overall. As a result of the detention of General Sergei Surovikin, many have questioned who else may be implicated in this rebellion. It serves as a reminder that even the highest-ranking officials can be corrupted by authority. Let's hope that justice is served and the perpetrators of this attempted revolt are held accountable. In the interim, it is encouraging to see the international community cooperating to defend against Wagner's prospective threats. Stay tuned, because this tale is not yet complete.
