New York (EFE) Russia, as reported today by The New York Times (NYT).
The newspaper, which cites US officials as sources, assures that US intelligence is trying to establish what support the mercenary leader had within the Russian army headquarters and whether Surovikin helped plan his rebellion last weekend, which was the largest threat that Putin has faced in the 23 years he has been in power.
Surovikin, who commanded Russian troops in Ukraine, is a respected military commander who helped shore up his country’s defenses on the battle lines after last year’s Ukrainian counteroffensive, according to analysts cited by the New York Times.
The military chief was replaced in January at the head of his country’s forces, but he maintained his influence in the direction of war operations and continues to be popular with the troops, the New York newspaper added.
Infighting in the Russian military leadership
US officials have also found indications that other Russian generals may have equally supported Prigozhin’s attempt to force a change in Defense Ministry leadership, and believe Wagner’s boss would not have revolted unless he believed others in positions If they could, they would come to his aid.
If Surovikin was involved in the rebellion, it would be the latest sign of infighting within the Russian military leadership since the start of the war in Ukraine and could signal a broader rift between Prigozhin’s supporters and Putin’s top military advisers: the defense minister, Sergei Shoigu, and the chief of the General Staff, Valery Gerasimov, adds the newspaper.
The sources quoted by the New York Times say that if Putin confirmed that General Surovikin was aware of the rebellion plans and did not communicate it, he might not retaliate against him, since he seems determined to blame the mutiny solely on Prigozhin.
The newspaper assures, however, that US officials are interested in disseminating information that undermines the prestige of General Surovikin, whom they consider more competent and ruthless than other members of the command, and whose dismissal would benefit Ukraine.
When the revolt of the head of the mercenaries became known, General Surovikin quickly opposed it and asked the Russian troops in Ukraine to hold their positions and not join the rebellion, which ultimately failed and Prigozhin had to take refuge in Belarus.