Financial Times on Surovikin’s arrest: He is first, but not only one
The Financial Times reports with reference to three sources about the arrest of Russian general Sergei Surovikin. According to the publication, he is the first, but not the only one, who will be deprived of his liberty as a result of Prigozhin’s rebellion.
This is stated in the FT publication, Censor.NET informs.
According to sources, nothing has been heard from Surovikin for several days. At the same time, it is not clear whether he was arrested after the failure of the uprising by the militants of the Wagner PMC led by Evgeniy Prigozhin, or whether he was only detained for questioning.
According to the FT, after the uprising, Putin launched an operation to purge the leadership of the Russian intelligence services. His goal is to get rid of critics, restore order and his authority.
In the last few days, the publication writes, many of those who sympathized with "Wagner" and criticized the Russian military leadership have disappeared from public space. In return, military leaders loyal to Putin - such as Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu - received additional opportunities for public statements and speeches.
"Putin knew in advance about Prigozhin's plans to organize an uprising and was able to prepare to some extent. He saw who and what they did that day. And now he is putting the house in order," the publication quoted an unnamed Western government official as saying.
This official also said that Surovikin is under arrest and that he is not the only one who will be arrested.
The Kremlin, the FT notes, refuses to answer any questions about Surovikin's fate and says journalists should contact the Ministry of Defense.
