Wagner Group supremo Yevgeny Prigozhin plotted to abduct Russia’s military leadership during last weekend’s uprising – and he started the mutiny ahead of time after domestic spies got wind of his plans, the Wall Street Journal reported Wednesday, citing Western officials. General Sergei Surovikin (L), commander of Russia’s military operation in Ukraine and Russian Defence Minister Sergei Shoigu (C) are seen during a visit of Russian President to the joint staff of troops involved in Russia’s military operation in Ukraine in an undisclosed place on December 17, 2022. GAVRIIL GRIGOROV/Sputnik/AFP via Getty ImagesThe Russian national guard commander, Gen. Viktor Zolotov said Tuesday that authorities had been tipped off by Wagner insiders "from the camp of Prigozhin,” state newswire RIA Novosti said. The New York Times reported Wednesday that a top Russian general, Sergei Surovikin, had advance knowledge of the Prigozhin’s plans. It wasn’t clear if Surovikin, Russia’s former top commander in Ukraine, informed authorities.

Source: Wall Street Journal June 28, 2023 15:06 UTC