Russian MoD denies reports about alleged strikes on PMC Wagner camps
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Russia says all messages and footage that are being spread on social media on behalf of Wagner chief Yevgeny Prigozhin are "baseless" and a "media provocation".
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Wagner chief Yevgeny Prigozhin (AFP)
The Russian Defense Minister denied reports circulating on social media on behalf of Yevgeny Prigozhin, the head of the private military company (PMC) Wagner, that the Russian Armed Forces struck the group's camps.
In a statement, the Ministry affirmed that "all messages and video footage that are being spread on social media on behalf of Y. Prigozhin that allege that the ‘Russian Defense Ministry delivered a strike on PMV Wagner encampments in the rear’ do not have a basis in reality and are a media provocation."
"Armed Forces of the Russian Federation continue to carry out combat missions on the line of contact with the Armed Forces of Ukraine in the area of the special military operation," the statement confirmed.
The Russian Foreign Ministry's statement comes in response to a video circulating on social media that claimed to show the aftermath of an alleged "missile attack" that targeted a Wagner camp in a forest.
"There are many dead. According to eyewitnesses, the strike came from behind, i.e. from the forces of the Russian Defense Ministry," the video claimed.
In the same context, the National Antiterrorism Committee (NAC) confirmed that the Russian Federal Security Service (FSB) opened a criminal case on calls for an armed rebellion over statements made on behalf of Prigozhin.
"In connection with these statements, the FSB of Russia initiated a criminal case on the fact of calling for an armed rebellion. We demand that illegal actions be stopped immediately," the NAC indicated, adding that the statements made on behalf of Prigozhin are unfounded.
On his part, Kremlin Spokesperson Dmitry Peskov said Russian President Vladimir Putin is aware of the situation concerning Prigozhin, stressing that all necessary measures are being taken.
"President Putin has been informed of all the events around Prigozhin. Necessary measures are being taken," Peskov told reporters.
Read more: Russia denies news about Wagner chief sharing data with Kiev
