Top Russian general Sergey Surovikin is said to have been aware of the Wagner Rebellion against the Russian government. That’s what sources within the American security services told The New York Times.
Authorities are now trying to find out whether Surovikin also helped prepare the uprising led by Yevgeny Prigozhin. In any case, the news raises the question of to what extent Wagner boss Prigozhin received help in his uprising on Saturday.
There is nothing to indicate that other Russian generals may also have secretly supported Prigozhin according to many sources. It seems unlikely, however, that the Wagner boss would have dared a revolt without support.
If Surovikin did indeed help plan the uprising, it would lead to further divisions among the Russian military leadership.
Surovikin is known, according to The New York Times, as a respected general, who was closely involved in Russian military strategy, especially in the early part of the invasion when he was the main man until he was given a new position after giving up Kherson. He was then replaced by Shoigu.
If Surovikin only knew about it, experts say it should have no consequences for his future in the Russian army. But if the general actively helped plan the uprising, Putin has no other choice and the president should fire him. What will happen to Surovikin is unclear for now. On Wednesday evening news about a possible arrest of Surovikin was shared on social media after his family reported that they have not been able to contact him for the past 3 days.