Prigozhin Plotted to Kidnap Russia’s Defense Minister and Chief of Staff: Report

Wagner Group supremo Yevgeny Prigozhin plotted to abduct Russia’s military leadership during last weekend’s uprising – and he started the mutiny ahead of time after domestic spies got wind of his plans, the Wall Street Journal reported Wednesday, citing Western officials. 

Prigozhin planned to capture his nemesis, Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu, and Gen. Valery Gerasimov, the chief of the general staff, during a scheduled visit to a southern region near the Ukraine border, but the FSB intelligence service learned of the trap two days before, officials told the Journal. 

The uprising’s premature start might help explain its ultimate failure. 

The Russian national guard commander, Gen. Viktor Zolotov said Tuesday that authorities had been tipped off by Wagner insiders "from the camp of Prigozhin,” state newswire RIA Novosti said.

The New York Times reported Wednesday that a top Russian general, Sergei Surovikin, had advance knowledge of the Prigozhin’s plans. It wasn’t clear if Surovikin, Russia’s former top commander in Ukraine, informed authorities. 

Wagner forces captured the southern city of Rostov-on-Don, an important military command center, without a shot early Saturday, and marched within 120 miles of Moscow before the uprising was called off.