Moscow enacts 'fortress plan' as panic spreads that city at risk of imminent attack
An image supposedly showing Fortress plan in action
161 RU
Russia's security officials have introduced roadblocks around Moscow amid growing concerns about the risk of an attack on the capital.
Wagner Group leader Yevgeny Prigozhin appears to have provoked the response following an explosive audio recording released earlier this evening.
He said: "The council of commanders of PMC Wagner has made a decision — the evil that the military leadership of the country brings must be stopped."
Numerous Telegram channels have cited sources which have claimed the Kremlin enacted its fortress plan in the Russian capital.
Vladimir PutinReutersThe so-called 'Krepost' plan is rarely used and is intended to repel an attack on security force installations in Moscow.
Russian news agency RIAMO claimed: "[It] implies an emergency gathering of law enforcement personnel and taking control of especially important objects of the Ministry of Internal Affairs, the Federal Security Service or the Federal Penitentiary Service.
"The plan also provides for blockading the buildings of law enforcement agencies and readiness by the forces on duty to repel an external attack."
It has even been reported there is panic inside Vladimir Putin's inner circle about the scenario of civil war.
Yevgeny Prigozhin, known as 'Putin's chef, heads up the mercenary Wagner GroupReuters Prigozhin, who is known as Putin's chef, made several disparaging comments about the conduct of the Russian military in Ukraine.
He slammed the Kremlin for lying Russians about the justifications for invading Ukraine and even alleged the Russian army shelled a Wagner camp.
The Wagner Group chief added: "We’re 25,000 strong, and we’re going to get to the bottom of the lawlessness in this country.
"Twenty-five-thousand are waiting as a tactical reserve, while the strategic reserve is the entire army and the entire country. Everyone who wants to, join us.
"We need to put an end to this disgrace."
Russian President Vladimir PutinReutersThe Russian Defence Ministry has rejected Prigozhin's statements, claiming his comments "do not correspond with reality".
The statement added: "The Russian Armed Forces continue to carry out combat missions [in Ukraine]."
The National Anti-Terrorism Committee also claimed: "The allegations spread on behalf of Yevgeny Prigozhin have no basis.
"In connection with these statements, the FSB of Russia initiated a criminal case on the fact of calling for an armed rebellion. We demand an immediate stop to illegal actions."