Putin attacks rebels on way to Moscow

Wagner leader Prigozhin

Russia’s President Vladimir Putin has attacked rebels fighters belonging to the Wagner Group which is reported to be heading for Moscow with Validimir Putin accusing Prigozhin of “treason”.

The Wagner Group, a paramilitary army, composed largely of former prisoners, was set up by Yevgeny Prigozhin, who until now was regarded as a close friend of Putin.

Relations between the two have been deteriorating in recent months with Prigozhin claiming that Russia was failing to resupply his men with arms and ammunition.

The situation escalated when Prigozhin alleged that Russian artillery had fired on his men.

Prigozhin had attacked Russia’s defence minister with a verbal tirade but the artillery attack propelled him to march his men on Moscow.

Latest reports suggest he has taken control of the city of Rostov-on- Don in the south-west of Russia