China’s top diplomat visits Russia; Putin plans massive rally in Moscow | War latest

Tensions between Russia’s military and Wagner are heating up again after the mercenary group’s founder accused Moscow of starving his men of supplies and ammunition. 

In an emotional message earlier, Yevgeny Prigozhin likened it to “treason” and said there was “direct opposition” to attempts to equip his fighters. 

Russia’s Defence Ministry has now denied limiting ammunition shipments, calling this “absolutely untrue”. 

“Attempts to create a split within the close mechanism of interaction and support between units of the Russian [fighting] groups are counter-productive and work solely to the benefit of the enemy,” it said.

It hit out at what it called “overexcited statements” and said military officials were doing all they could to supply fighters – although did not mention Wagner by name. 

For context: Private military group Wagner has been fighting alongside conventional Russian forces in Ukraine, particularly in the fiercest battles in the east. 

After the group raised its profile in recent months, Russia’s military leadership has sought to sideline Wagner and Mr Prigozhin. 

It is no longer making direct references to Wagner in military reports, and there have been news reports that Mr Prigozhin was told to cut back on his criticisms of Russia’s military leadership.