TASS reported on June 24 that in a statement, the FSB said that given the “grave situation and the threat of escalation of confrontation in Russia,” the agency decided to open a criminal investigation against Mr. Prigozhin for “inciting rebellion.” The Moscow Times said that any individual who commits such acts faces a sentence of 12 to 20 years in prison.

Mr. Yevgeny Prigozhin, leader of PMC Wagner, is under criminal investigation by Russia. Photo: TASS

The FSB called on the Wagner PMC fighters “not to make irreparable mistakes, to stop any acts of violence against the Russian people, not to obey the orders of the criminal and traitor, to take measures to arrest Prigozhin”; affirmed that all information spread on social networks about the Russian military conducting missile strikes against the units of Wagner PMC is “inaccurate”.

Russia's National Anti-Terrorism Committee also demanded that Mr. Prigozhin stop his "illegal activities"; stressing that the statements being spread in his name were "absolutely groundless." Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said that Russian President Vladimir Putin was aware of the situation and the necessary measures were being taken.

The above information was given in the previous context, according to The Moscow Times, Mr. Prigozhin accused the Russian army of launching missile attacks on PMC Wagner barracks; declared that PMC Wagner forces had “crossed all borders”, entered the Rostov region in southern Russia, “will destroy everything that stands in our way”; said that “this is not a coup but a march for justice” and “our actions do not hinder the Russian army”.

The Russian Defense Ministry has denied Prigozhin’s accusations, saying they “do not correspond to reality” and calling it a “provocation.” The Moscow Times reported that security measures have been stepped up in Moscow and Rostov. “All important facilities, state institutions, important transport infrastructure are under increased protection,” TASS quoted Russian law enforcement sources as saying.

Reuters reported that PMC Wagner forces had previously coordinated with the Russian military in the Ukraine battlefield, where Moscow conducted a special military operation. Mr. Prigozhin repeatedly accused Russian Defense Ministry leaders of causing PMC Wagner forces to suffer heavy casualties due to lack of ammunition and manpower.

HOANG VU