U.S. watching Russian situation closely as internal militia groups seize control of important region

(Washington, D.C.) -- The White House is keeping a close eye on the situation unfolding in Russia.  

The head of the Wagner mercenary group, Yevgeny Prigozhin, claims his soldiers now control military buildings and facilities in a Russian city near the Ukraine border. U.S. National Security Council spokesperson Adam Hodge says as of Friday night, President Biden had been briefed on the developing situation.

Russian President Vladimir Putin said today that he has ordered his military to act against what he called the "renegade actions."