MOSCOW – The Kremlin remained silent yesterday on the whereabouts of Russia’s Deputy Chief of Staff Sergei Surovikin, reported German news agency (dpa).
The general’s whereabouts were a matter for the Defence Ministry, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov told the Russian news agency Interfax, following reports that the general had been arrested.
Peskov had on Wednesday dismissed a US media report as “speculation” that Surovikin was said to have known in advance about the uprising plan of Wagner mercenary force founder Yevgeny Prigozhin.
Asked whether Russian President Vladimir Putin continued to trust Surovikin, Peskov said the Kremlin chief, as commander-in-chief, was working with Defence Minister Sergei Shoigu and Commander-in-Chief Valery Gerasimov.
Citing informants, several Russian media outlets reported on Wednesday that Surovikin had been arrested. However, there was no confirmation of this.
The Kremlin had dismissed a New York Times report that claimed Surovikin knew about the Wagner uprising in advance.
Surovikin is considered an ally of Prigozhin, but sided with Moscow on Saturday night. In a video message, Surovikin called on Prigozhin to end his struggle. – Bernama, June 30, 2023
