Armoured vehicles spotted on streets of Rostov after Prigozhin's statement

Photos of armoured vehicles on the streets of the Russian city of Rostov-on-Don are being posted on Russian social media following the statement made by Yevgeny Prigozhin, leader of the Wagner Group, about a de facto declaration of war against the Russian army. Checkpoints are being set up at entrances to Moscow.

Source: Meduza; Rostov media outlet 161.ru; Russian Telegram channels; BBC Russian Service

Details: Sources of the Rostov outlet 161.ru confirm that Operation Fortress has been announced in Rostov Oblast: "There is an order to bring the entire staff of the Ministry of Internal Affairs and the Russian Guard to combat-readiness and to strengthen the posts on the border with the LPR and the DPR [Luhansk and Donetsk ‘People’s Republics’]."

161.ru has also posted photos of armoured vehicles on the streets of Rostov-on-Don.

The movement of armoured vehicles was also noticed in Moscow.

According to sources of the media outlet Vot Tak, conscripts are being armed in Rostov Oblast following Prigozhin's statement: "I am in the reserve, my 30 people have already been sent to get their armour [receive equipment – Vot Tak]. They are getting armour and weapons, and waiting for armoured personnel carriers."

Another source from a Russian border unit has confirmed the information about the arming of personnel.

However, both servicemen insisted that they do not understand exactly what they are being prepared for and what exactly is happening. Their command has not given them any explanation.

Prigozhin said Russian Defence Minister Sergei Shoigu had flown to Rostov, where he personally conducted an operation to eliminate the mercenaries. According to him, 25,000 of his mercenaries are going to "restore justice". He is also asking people not to call this a "military coup".

In addition, Russian media outlets are reporting that security forces have been put on high alert in the city of Moscow.

Astra, citing sources, says that employees of law enforcement agencies in Moscow have received an order to "keep in touch with everyone, don't go anywhere."

According to the BBC, the FSB (Federal Security Service), supported by Special Rapid Response units of the National Guard, have set up checkpoints on the Don highway (the Moscow – Voronezh – Rostov-on-Don road).

Those on duty there have been ordered to open fire "in the event of a threat". Vehicles are on standby, but the unit has not yet received an order to advance.

Several other media outlets have added that Operation Fortress, a plan to protect Interior Ministry facilities, is being implemented in Moscow. The exact actions that personnel are to take under this plan are a state secret, but it is openly known that the entrances and exits to the Interior Ministry building are blocked.

Background:

• Wagner Group leader Yevgeny Prigozhin claimed that the regular Russian army had launched a missile strike on the Wagnerites’ rear camps. Prigozhin added that Russian Defence Minister Sergei Shoigu has now fled Rostov like a coward and "that creature will be stopped". Russia’s Ministry of Defence called this statement a provocation.
• Russian dictator Vladimir Putin has been informed of the conflict between Yevgeny Prigozhin, leader of the Wagner Group, and Sergei Shoigu, the Russian Defence Minister. A criminal case is being brought against Prigozhin for incitement to armed rebellion.
• Prigozhin has criticised Shoigu and the General Staff for the failure of the hostilities, stating that Ukraine had not planned to attack Donbas in 2022. He said that Russian officials wanted to use the war to promote themselves and the oligarchs wanted to make money.   

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