BRITAIN has warned of mass unrest across Russia after Wagner group mercenaries seized a Russian military HQ amid fears of a coup.
Putin is facing one of the biggest challenges to his iron-fist rule since he took power in the Kremlin more than two decades ago.
The Foreign Office said: "There are reports of military tensions in the Rostov region and a risk of further unrest across the country.
"Additionally, there is a lack of available flight options to return to the UK."
The UK government continues to advise against all travel to Russia.
The UK's Ministry of Defence said Wagner units "are moving north through Vorenezh… almost certainly aiming to get to Moscow".
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It describes the rebellion as "the most significant challenge to the Russian state in recent times".
Emmanuel Macron is also closely monitoring the situation, the French president's office said.
"The president is following the situation very closely," the Elysee said.
"We remain focused on supporting Ukraine."
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Germany is also "closely following" the dramatic events in Russia.
Wagner boss Yevgeny Prigozhin vowed to "punish" Russia after he blamed the Kremlin for a missile attack on a Wagner training camp in Bakhmut, Ukraine, which killed dozens.
Early on Saturday, he announced he had taken control of the Russian army HQ in Rostov-on-Don – as he vowed to march toward Moscow.
Prigozhin – Putin's former pal – sensationally claimed his forces now had all military facilities in the city under their control – including the air field.
Extraordinary pictures show the Russian military building surrounded by tanks and troops from the Wagner Group.
A Russian security source said Wagner fighters also seized control of all military facilities in the city of Voronezh – around 310 miles south of Moscow.
Fuming Putin delivered a rare early morning address on the rebellion – blasting Prigozhin's move as "treason" and a "mortal blow" to Russia.
The 70-year-old warned: "This is a criminal campaign. It is equivalent to armed mutiny.
"Russia will defend itself and repel this move. We are fighting for the life and security of our citizens and our territorial integrity.
"Everything has to be done in order to put this danger to rest. It is an attempt to subvert us from inside. This is treason.
"In the face of those who are fighting on the front, this is a stab in the back of the troops and the people of Russia."
Michael McFaul, a former US ambassador to Russia, branded the rebellion as the "biggest crisis" Vlad has ever faced.
He warned there would be "big fight" where "Russians will be killing Russians" unless Prigozhin surrenders.
Prigozhin has long been thought to have had ambitions of taking control from Putin.
The warlord said his forces had now crossed into Russia – and vowed he and thousands of his fighters were "ready to die".
In a furious video, he said: "We will destroy anyone who stands in our way… we are moving forward and will go until the end."
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Prigozhin called for an armed rebellion aimed at ousting Russia's top generals and defence minister Sergei Shoigu.
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