The government of Russia confirmed late Friday that it had opened an investigation into and filed charges against the leader of the Wagner paramilitary group, Yevgeny Prigozhin, for calling for “armed rebellion” against Moscow.
Prior to the announcement by the Federal Security Service, Prigozhin published several video messages on Friday claiming that Russian Defense Minister Sergey Shoigu ordered an attack Wagner positions in Ukraine and killed “a large number of our fighters.” He later reportedly claimed through social media videos that he had turned his forces around and entered Rostov-on-Don, Russia, allegedly with little resistance. The city is home to important military installments and the Wagner chief reportedly claimed Shoigu was present there.
Prigozhin, whose troops are at the forefront of the ongoing “special operation” by Russian leader Vladimir…
