US Questions Knowledge of Russian General about Wagner Mutiny

 

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According to U.S. officials who has briefed on American intelligence that a senior Russian general had advance knowledge of Yevgeny Prigozhin's plans to rebel against Russia's military leadership.

This development has raised questions about potential support Prigozhin received from top-ranking officials.

The detail of the article published in New York times is as under:

General Sergei Surovikin's Potential Involvement:

Officials are investigating whether General Sergei Surovikin, the former top Russian commander in Ukraine, played a role in planning Prigozhin's actions.

Surovikin, known for his military expertise and popularity among troops, could have aided Prigozhin's attempt to challenge President Vladimir V. Putin's authority.

Possible Support from Other Generals:

There are indications that additional Russian generals may have supported Prigozhin's bid to change the leadership of the Defense Ministry through force.

Prigozhin likely believed that powerful figures would come to his aid, highlighting potential divisions within Russia's military leadership.

Implications for Russia's Military Leadership:

General Surovikin's involvement, if confirmed, would signal further infighting within Russia's military leadership.

This would potentially indicate a larger rift between Prigozhin's supporters and Putin's senior military advisers, Sergei K. Shoigu and Gen. Valery V. Gerasimov.

Putin must now decide how to respond based on his assessment of Surovikin's role.

Potential Consequences for General Surovikin:

If the emerging evidence directly implicates General Surovikin in assisting Prigozhin, Putin will likely have no choice but to remove him from his command.

However, if Surovikin is found to have had some knowledge but did not actively support Prigozhin, Putin may choose to retain him.

The final decision rests with Putin and may be influenced by intelligence reports.

Significance of Alliance Between Surovikin and Prigozhin:

The possibility of an alliance between General Surovikin and Prigozhin could explain why Prigozhin is still alive despite his actions, including seizing a major Russian military hub and ordering an armed march on Moscow.

This alliance, if substantiated, could have significant implications for Russia's internal dynamics and ongoing conflict with Ukraine.

Divergent Messages and Divided Loyalties:

Public statements and actions from various military officials suggested that there were divided loyalties and mixed messages within Russia's top ranks.

General Surovikin's initial video message denouncing the rebellion appeared strained.

While another Russian general, Lt. Gen. Vladimir Alekseyev, made contradictory appeals which is further highlighting the complex situation.

Speculation and Unresolved Questions:

Experts and officials, speaking anonymously, highlighted the need for further investigation into potential collusion and unanswered questions surrounding the rebellion.

While cautioning that much remains preliminary, the U.S. has a vested interest in undermining General Surovikin's standing and sees his removal as advantageous to Ukraine's counteroffensive efforts.

Conclusion:

The situation surrounding the alleged involvement of General Surovikin in the rebellion against Russia's military leadership continues to evolve.

As more information emerges, it could impact internal dynamics within Russia and its ongoing conflict with Ukraine.

The course of action that President Putin ultimately chooses will depend on his assessment of the evidence and the implications for his administration's stability and control.

(Courtesy: New York Times)