Kremlin, asked if Surovikin knew of mutiny in advance, says there’s a lot of gossip

The Kremlin, asked on Wednesday about a US media report suggesting a top Russian general had known in advance about Saturday’s aborted mutiny by mercenaries, said there would be “a lot of speculation” in the aftermath of the events.
Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov was responding to a question regarding a report in the New York Times newspaper citing US officials as saying that General Sergei Surovikin, the deputy commander of Russia’s military operations in Ukraine, had advance knowledge of the planned mutiny.
“There will now be a lot of speculation, gossip and so on around these events. I think this is one such example,” said Peskov.
For all the latest headlines follow our Google News channel online or via the app.
Surovikin, who has not been seen in public since Saturday when he made an appeal for the mutiny to be called off, has often been praised by Wagner mercenary chief Yevgeny Prigozhin who led the brief rebellion.
For the latest headlines, follow our Google News channel online or via the app.
The newspaper cited US officials briefed on US intelligence regarding the matter, and reported that the officials were “trying to learn if Gen. Sergei Surovikin, the former top Russian commander in Ukraine, helped plan Mr. Prigozhin’s actions last weekend.”

Read more:

Lukashenko says Russia’s Putin wanted to ‘wipe out’ Wagner’s Prigozhin during mutiny

US imposes sanctions on one individual, four entities linked to Wagner group

US announces $500 mln in weapons for Ukraine, days after foiled Wagner rebellion