Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov has not commented on the whereabouts of Russian Deputy Chief of Staff Sergey Surovikin.
It is a matter for the defense ministry, Peskov told Russia’s Interfax news agency on Thursday after reports that the general had been arrested. Peskov on Wednesday dismissed a report in the US media as “speculation” that Surovikin had known in advance of mercenary chief Yevgeny Prigozhin’s uprising plan.
Asked whether President Vladimir Putin continues to trust Surovikin, Peskov said on Thursday that the Kremlin chief had been working as commander-in-chief with Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu and Chief of Staff Valery Gerasimov. The Ministry must comment on their subordinates. Initially there was no comment.
Several Russian media had already reported on Wednesday, citing informers, that Surovikin had been arrested. There was no confirmation of this.
The US newspaper “New York Times” had previously reported, citing US security circles, that Surovikin knew about the Wagner Group’s uprising in advance. “There is now a lot of speculation and gossip about these events,” Kremlin spokesman Peskov said. “I think that’s an example of that.” The military and the populace “all stood with the president” during the uprising.
Although Surovikin is considered an ally of Prigozhin, he had publicly sided with the power apparatus in Moscow on Saturday night. In a video message, Surovikin called Prigozhin to end the power struggle.
Wagner boss Prigozhin had meanwhile occupied the southern Russian city of Rostov-on-Don on Saturday and then marched his fighters towards Moscow. Surprisingly, he gave up about 200 kilometers from the Russian capital. Belarusian ruler Alexander Lukashenko mediated in the conflict. Putin assured Prigozhin and his mercenaries of impunity. (aeg/sda/dpa)
Soource :Watson
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