Russian Soldier Alexander Lunin Threatens Mutiny, Asks Putin to Receive Him at the Kremlin
Key Takeaways
- Alexander Lunin threatens mutiny in a video and asks to be received at the Kremlin.
- Linked to Wagner founder Prigozhin's influence on soldiers amid Moscow's fractured forces.
- Zelensky announces an influence operation while mutiny unfolds.
Prigozhin echo in Russia
Zelensky announced an “operazione di influenza” while a Russian soldier, Alexander Lunin, in a video threatened an “ammutinamento” and asked to be received at the Cremlino.
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Il Foglio says the Crimean bridge traffic is one-way, with “duemilaquattrocentocinquanta auto” heading toward the Russian peninsula of Taman and “Zero andavano invece nel senso opposto.”
Il Foglio also describes how Lunin, speaking with all his medals on his chest, asked Putin to receive him at the Cremlino to tell “tutta la verità su ciò che sta accadendo nel nostro paese in questo momento.”
The same article frames Lunin’s message as a reminder of Evgeni Prigozhin, whose march toward Moscow was stopped and whose Wagner was dissolved after he was killed.
Il Foglio adds that Lunin said “migliaia di soldati” were buried in mass graves and tortured for “essersi rifiutati di seguire ordini stupidi e suicidi” and for handing over their pay to commanders.
Drone defense and bounties
El Mundo reports that Russia is assembling a low-tech territorial defense against drones, using volunteers paid by the Ministry of Defense and offering bounties for downed drones to protect “the peaceful sky.”
The article says the Moscow Brigade BARS-Moscow aims to create up to 500 mobile groups to protect the capital, the Moscow region, and neighboring areas such as Tula, Ryazan, and Kaluga.
El Mundo adds that BARS-Moscow is seeking about 2,500 volunteers aged 18 to 50, with preference given to Cossacks, people with experience, and reserve officers.
It also states that volunteers will receive bonuses ranging from 1,100 to 5,500 euros for each drone shot down.
El Mundo quotes Putin saying: “Of course, with such influence and with all of the West working for them, these drones fly in large quantities and thus try to create uncertainty about the actions of our armed forces.”
Ukraine’s pressure on Russia
El Mundo describes Ukraine’s plan as making life difficult for Russian drivers through “gas restrictions,” queues at service stations, and prices rising, saying the videos from social networks show tension and fights at gas stations.
“Chi sono i ribelli filo-russi”
The article links those pressures to a broader drone campaign, noting that Russia’s attacks included a massive wave of drones against Moscow and other regions on June 22.
El Mundo says Putin denounced alleged preparations by NATO countries for a war with Russia, while also arguing that Ukrainian attacks aim to destabilize society.
Il Post, meanwhile, focuses on earlier conflict dynamics and says that, according to U.S. intelligence and the Ukrainian government, the MH17 flight with 298 people on board was shot down by pro-Russian rebels.
Il Post also states that “i rottami dell’aereo sono caduti in un’area controllata dai filo-russi” and that armed militiamen recovered numerous passenger bodies while preventing OSCE observers from starting investigations.
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