Russian General Sergei Surovikin, who was allegedly involved in the Wagner rebellion led by Yevgeny Prigozhin, has been arrested, according to sources close to the Defense Ministry. The arrest of Surovikin, who has not been seen in public since Saturday, has not been officially confirmed by the ministry.

One source stated that the situation with Surovikin was not favorable for the authorities, suggesting that he may have sided with Prigozhin during the uprising. Another source claimed that Surovikin’s arrest was connected to Prigozhin and that he had been apprehended as a result of his involvement.

Also Read: How did Yevgeny Prigozhin and Wagner Group’s attempted coup towards Moscow unfold, complete timeline

It was reported that Surovikin is currently being held at the Lefortovo detention center in Moscow. However, the Defense Ministry has not provided any information regarding his whereabouts. Concerns have been raised about Surovikin’s well-being, as he has had no contact with his family for three days, and his guards have been unresponsive.

The New York Times previously reported, citing unnamed U.S. officials, that Surovikin had prior knowledge of Prigozhin’s plan to initiate a rebellion against Russia’s military leadership. However, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov dismissed these claims as speculation and gossip, suggesting that Russian President Vladimir Putin did not yield to Prigozhin’s demands for a reshuffle within the military.

The Wagner rebellion orchestrated by Prigozhin caused a significant security crisis in Russia. Eventually, Prigozhin agreed to stand down in exchange for exile with immunity, as negotiated by Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko.

Surovikin is no stranger to military leadership. He previously commanded Russian forces in Ukraine for a period of three months before being replaced by Chief of the General Staff Valery Gerasimov.

Also Read: Who is Sergei Shoigu and Valery Gerasimov, key figures in the Russian Ministry of Defense?

The circumstances surrounding Surovikin’s arrest and his exact role in the Wagner rebellion are yet to be fully disclosed. The Defense Ministry’s silence on the matter raises questions about the ongoing situation and the implications it may have for Russia’s military hierarchy.