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Turmoil in Russia: Switzerland tells citizens to avoid country

Putin and Prigozhin face masks
Face masks depicting Russian President Vladimir Putin, right, and owner of private military company Wagner Group Yevgeny Prigozhin are displayed among others for sale at a souvenir shop in St. Petersburg, Russia. Copyright 2023 The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved

Switzerland discourages unnecessary travel and stays in Russia, where a rebellion is underway. 

The Federal Department of Foreign Affairs said on SaturdayExternal link it was in contact with its embassy in Moscow and closely monitoring recent events. 

“Non-urgent travel and stays in Russia are discouraged,” the ministry said in a Twitter statement. 

Russia’s President Vladimir Putin vowed on Saturday to crush what he called an armed mutiny after Wagner mercenary chief Yevgeny Prigozhin seized the southern city of Rostov overnight and inched towards Moscow.

The crisis marks the most serious challenge to Putin’s leadership in his 23-year rule. 

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SWI swissinfo.ch - a branch of Swiss Broadcasting Corporation SRG SSR