Russian commander urges Wagner fighters to ’obey will’ of Putin while gripping gun

Senior Russian military officers have urged Wagner contractors to stop their efforts for an armed rebellion aimed at ousting Russia’s defence minister. Sergei Surovikin, the deputy commander of the Russian group of forces fighting in Ukraine, told the Wagner forces to obey “the will“ of Vladimir Putin and stop any move against the army. “We mustn’t play into the enemy’s hands in this difficult moment for the country,“ he said, gripping a gun. Another top military officer, Vladimir Alexeyev, denounced Wagner chief Yevgeny Prigozhin’s move as “madness” and threatened to unleash a civil war in Russia. For more news visit Independent TV: Click here to subscribe to The Independent: About The Independent: Making Change Happen. The Independent is the world’s most free-thinking newsbrand, providing global news, commentary and analysis for the independently-minded. Connect with The Independent: Check out our full video catalog: Videos, daily editorial and more: Click here to get the best of The Independent daily: Like The Independent on Facebook: Follow The Independent on Twitter: Follow The Independent on Instagram: Download the iOS & Android app: Help to support truly independent journalism. Every dollar you contribute will directly fund additional special reports and investigations from a free-thinking, award-winning newsroom you can trust - Subscribe to Independent Premium for exclusive content & live events: