2/ The VChK-OGPU Telegram channel reports what its sources are saying is the situation within various security organisations. At the FSB and Ministry of Internal Affairs, "Everyone is up and running, urgently reporting in. Now all the offices are like one big after-party. 80 per cent of the staff smell of booze. Some of them can barely stand on their feet. Can't arm 'em, can't send 'em anywhere."

3/ "Friday night's the perfect time to start something like this. Everybody's standing around, waiting for something. No introductions. A couple of hours more and the conflicts among themselves will start when [the alcohol] starts to wear off."

4/ Unwillingness to fight Wagner appears to be a common theme. "There is real panic in Rostov, especially among the police. There is more than a 40 percent shortfall in personnel among those called up in connection with Operation Fortress" (to defend security installations).

5/ Wagner forces were able to cross the border from Ukraine without opposition, despite orders not to let them through. "Both the border service of the FSB and the Interior Ministry received instructions to stop the Wagner PMC. No one is complying, as it is not realistic."

6/ Most ominously for the Kremlin, elements of the security forces appear to be actively siding with Wagner or refusing to act against it. "The defence ministry has lost control over a number of units and formations of the South Eastern Military District, it will not be possible to organise defence by the Rosgvardia [Russian National Guard] and the FSB. Local leaders are extremely careful in their statements".