24-6-2023 (MOSCOW) On Saturday (24th), unconfirmed online reports claimed that the Russian Air Force launched air strikes along the M4 highway, which connects southern Russia to Moscow, to prevent a group of Wagner soldiers from advancing towards the capital. The Wagner group is a Russian mercenary force that has been implicated in various military operations in Syria, Libya, and Ukraine, and is known to have close ties with the Kremlin.
Videos circulating online purportedly show Russian planes bombing a section of the highway, with flames and smoke billowing from the scene. Reports from Voronezh indicate that an oil depot exploded and caught fire, with some suggesting that the Russian military intentionally destroyed the depot to prevent the Wagner group from obtaining fuel supplies.
Video of airstrike at the Wagner column at m4 highway earlier today pic.twitter.com/864EYGBhDP
— Liveuamap (@Liveuamap) June 24, 2023
The Governor of Voronezh Oblast, Alexander Gusev, released a geolocation video on Telegram, showing Wagner soldiers and vehicles travelling along the M4 highway. He stated that the Russian Armed Forces were taking necessary actions and combat measures as part of the anti-terrorism operation in Voronezh.
The situation in Voronezh has raised concerns about escalating tensions between the Russian military and the Wagner group, and the potential for wider conflict. Some individuals have also captured footage of Wagner forces deploying the Pantsir-S1 anti-aircraft missile system near Voronezh.
The incident highlights the involvement of the Wagner group, a shadowy mercenary force that operates outside the official Russian military, in conflicts both at home and abroad. The close ties between the group and the Kremlin have also raised questions about the Russian government’s involvement in such operations.
The situation in Voronezh is still developing, and it remains to be seen how it will play out. However, the incident serves as a reminder of the ongoing tensions and conflicts in Russia and the wider region.
