Russian mercenaries agree to turn back

ROSTOV-ON-DON/VORONEZH: Mutinous Russian mercenary fighters who surged a lot of the method to Moscow have agreed to show again to keep away from bloodshed, their chief mentioned on Saturday, in a de-escalation of what had change into a serious problem to President Vladimir Putin’s grip on energy.

The fighters of the Wagner personal military run by former Putin ally Yevgeny Prigozhin have been already a lot of the method to the capital, having captured town of Rostov and set off on an 1,100 km (680 mile) race to Moscow.

In an audio message, Prigozhin mentioned the fighters would return to base due to the chance of blood being spilled.

A deal to halt additional motion of Wagner fighters throughout Russia in return for ensures of security for the rebels was brokered by Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko, his workplace mentioned.

Earlier, Prigozhin mentioned his males have been on a “march for justice” to take away corrupt and incompetent Russian commanders he blames for botching the conflict in Ukraine.

In a televised handle from the Kremlin, Putin mentioned Russia’s very existence was below menace. “We’re combating for the lives and safety of our folks, for our sovereignty and independence, for the proper to stay Russia, a state with a thousand-year historical past,” he mentioned.

“All those that intentionally stepped on the trail of betrayal, who ready an armed riot, who took the trail of blackmail and terrorist strategies, will undergo inevitable punishment, will reply each to the legislation and to our folks.”

Putin later signed a legislation tightening guidelines for breaking martial legislation in locations the place it has been imposed, the RIA information company mentioned.

Video obtained by Reuters confirmed troop carriers and two flatbed vans every carrying a tank driving 30 miles (50 km) past Voronezh, greater than half method to Moscow, the place a helicopter fired on them.

Prigozhin, whose personal military fought the bloodiest battles in Ukraine whilst he feuded for months with the navy high brass, mentioned he had captured the headquarters of Russia’s Southern Navy District within the metropolis of Rostov with out firing a shot.

Rostov serves as the principle rear logistical hub for Russia’s complete invasion pressure in Ukraine. — Reuters

Earlier report on p6