On Saturday, Wagner forces rolled into the million-strong city of Rostov-on-Don and took control of the defense headquarters without fighting that claimed casualties. On the same day, a large number of Wagner soldiers equipped with combat vehicles began driving towards Moscow and, according to Russian media, shot down an aircraft carrier and six helicopters approaching the convoy.
Wagner chief Prigozhin, who himself stayed in Rostov-na-Donu, claimed that it was a “fool in the convoy” who shot down everything that took off.
Criminal investigation despite agreement
After an agreement was reached between Wagner and the Kremlin, with Belarusian dictator Lukashenko acting as an intermediary, the convoy broke off its journey towards Moscow and Prigozhin was able to leave Rostov-on-Don in the belief that the agreement meant immunity for him and his soldiers.
On Monday, the Kommersant business newspaper stated, citing sources within the FSB security service, that Wagner boss Prigozhin is being investigated by the Russian security service for having organized an armed rebellion. In addition to the mutiny, Prigozhin may be held responsible for the death of the Russian soldiers and be required to pay compensation for the downed helicopters and the airplane.
“No options for traitors”
According to the Telegram channel Fighterbomber, which is close to the Russian Air Force, ten people were on board the plane, an Il-22, which is used as a combat command center. The helicopters had a total of between 16 and 19 people in the crews. Russian politicians direct harsh criticism at the Wagner leader and his right-hand man Dmitry Utkin.
– The only option for these friends is to shoot themselves before a bullet hits them. There are no options for traitors, Andrey Guruliev, a member of the Russian Duma and former deputy head of the Southern Military District, said on Russian television.
In the video, you can see which aircraft Wagner is accused of shooting down.