Alleged Arrest of Russian General Linked to Prigozhin, According to Sources

Russian General Linked to Prigozhin Arrested Amidst Mercenary Revolt

Unsettling Consequences: Arrest of Russian General Linked to Prigozhin Raises Broader Implications

In a dramatic turn of events, General Sergei Surovikin, the deputy commander of the Russian group of forces fighting in Ukraine, has reportedly been detained following a revolt orchestrated by mercenaries within Russia. This development comes days after the Wagner Group mercenaries seized control of the military headquarters in Rostov-on-Don and were reportedly on their way to Moscow, in what appears to have been a failed insurrection. The arrest of Surovikin, who has long-standing ties to Yevgeny Prigozhin, the head of the Wagner Group, has raised speculation about potential collusion among top military officers, with some potentially facing punishment for their involvement in the mutiny. Surovikin's arrest and the subsequent uncertainty surrounding his location and potential charges reflect the opaqueness of Kremlin politics. While it is not clear whether Surovikin will be facing charges, reports suggest that his detention may be linked to allegations of his advance knowledge regarding Prigozhin's plan to stage the revolt. The New York Times reported earlier that U.S. officials believed Surovikin had prior knowledge of the mutiny. However, the Kremlin declined to comment on these reports. Surovikin's close ties with Prigozhin trace back to their involvement in Syria, where both were active in supporting the Syrian government and aiding in territorial reclamation after the civil war. While Prigozhin had previously criticized other military officials such as Defense Minister Shoigu and Chief of the General Staff Gen. Valery Gerasimov, he consistently praised Surovikin and even suggested that he replace Gerasimov as the head of the General Staff. Interestingly, when the rebellion began, Surovikin released a video urging an end to the mutiny, signaling a change in his stance. The potential purge of military officials linked to Prigozhin following the mutiny could have significant implications for the chain of command and troop morale. The absence of Gerasimov, along with questions surrounding his fate, adds further intrigue to the situation. This period of uncertainty within the military could potentially offer Ukraine an opportunity to regain ground in their

Summing it up

ongoing conflict with Russia. The arrest of General Sergei Surovikin, coupled with the reported involvement of mercenaries and allegations of collusion among top military officials, highlights the complexities and hidden dynamics of Kremlin politics. The opaque nature of these developments and the Kremlin's refusal to comment further contribute to the air of uncertainty surrounding Surovikin's detention and potential charges. Moreover, the interconnectedness between Surovikin and Yevgeny Prigozhin, along with their shared history in Syria, adds an intriguing dimension to this story. Prigozhin's praise of Surovikin and his suggestion that he replace Gen. Valery Gerasimov before the mutiny began raises questions about the internal power dynamics within the Russian military. The potential purge of military officials with ties to Prigozhin following the mutiny poses a significant risk to the chain of command and could severely impact troop morale. As Ukraine launches its latest counteroffensive, the uncertainty within the Russian military presents an opportunity for Ukraine to regain lost territory and potentially shift the balance of power. Overall, the arrest of General Surovikin and the aftermath of the mercenary revolt have opened a window into the hidden world of Russian military politics. The implications of these events, including the potential purge and the impact on the ongoing conflict in Ukraine, reverberate beyond
Originally Published at: https://fortune.com/2023/06/29/russian-general-close-to-prigozhin-arrested-sources-sergei-surovikin-rebellion/ Business Topic: World