Shocking US Intelligence Claim: Russian Commander Knew Wagner Would Revolt
The uprising of the Wagner mercenary group in Russia is over, but its repercussions are still on the agenda.
According to American intelligence, General Sergey Surovikin, one of the most important figures in the Russian military, wrote that Wagner’s leader, Yevgeni Prigojin, was aware of the rebellion plans in advance.
Surovikin, who previously played a major role in the Syrian war, was the commander of Russian forces in Ukraine until January 2023. Despite leaving his post, Surovikin, who continues to manage his war plans, is known as a person who receives great respect and support in the Russian army.
PRIGOJIN’S FAVORITE COMMANDER
Nicknamed “General Armageddon”, the Russian commander was also praised by Wagnerian leader Prigojin, who criticized the army’s ability in warfare, and Russian Defense Minister Sergey Shoigu.
Putin and Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu
Speaking to the New York Times, US officials said they were trying to find out if Surovikin had helped plan the rebellion. Officials said there were signs that some Russian generals may have supported Prigojin.
According to the report, the Wagner leader would not have dared to organize a revolt on this scale if he had not received support within the army.
In January, Defense Minister Shoigu appointed Chief of Staff Valeri Gerasimov to oversee the Ukrainian war, and Surovikin became Gerasimov’s deputy. Prigojin had been calling for the resignation of Shoigu and Geramisov for months, accusing them of “not supporting Wagner”.
‘INDICATOR OF WAR WITHIN RUSSIA’
The New York Times commented that the possibility of General Surovikin aiding the uprising would be seen as an indication of great turmoil within the administration and military command center in Russia.
In the news, it was noted that the rivalry within Russia has deepened since the start of the Ukrainian war.
KREMLIN RESPONSE
On the other hand, a response came from the Kremlin regarding the claim. “There is a lot of speculation about this right now,” Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said.
Regarding the possible role of Surovikin in the events, Peskov said: “There are a lot of rumors about what is happening at the moment. This is one of them.”
Sergey Surovikin supported Putin on Saturday night, when the rebellion broke out, and called for the withdrawal of Prigokhin, who was leading his fighters to Moscow.