Putin accuses Wagner boss of treason and assures Russia will ‘win’
Russian President Vladimir Putin called the uprising started on Friday by the leader of the Wagner mercenary group, Yevgeny Prigozhin, a “treason” and said he would punish those involved in the mutiny, for which he had given precise orders to armed forces. Putin, who has called for unity in the country, admits that the situation in Rostov, where Prigozhin has taken control of military facilities, is “difficult”, but that he will defend the Russian constitution and that Russia will “victory”.
In a televised address to the Russian population in response to the mercenary chief’s uprising, Putin described the uprising of the businessman and his militiamen as a “stab in the back,” whom he previously described as “heroes who liberated the Donbas.” the mining and industrial region of eastern Ukraine. Still, Russia now faces the “betrayal” of the same men, “what we’re seeing is a stab in the back,” he said. For this reason, he called on those who had been “deceived” by Prigozhin to put down the mutiny and settle differences, because Russia was fighting for “the life and safety of its people” and “the unity of all its forces”. “is necessary.” in reference to the army and private militias.
In the face of this rebellion, however, he reiterates that the Russian response will be “determined” and that Russian forces have already received the necessary orders to act against the Wagner revolt. “Anyone who takes up arms against the Russian army is a traitor,” he said, urging the rebels not to engage in “criminal activities” and warning the rebels against being punished. “We will do everything to protect Russia. “We will win, we will come out of it stronger,” he assured the population.
He admits that the situation in Rostov, the city where Prigozhin rioted and where he claims to control all military installations, including the airport, is “difficult” but that he will make the necessary decisions to stop the stabilize the situation in the city.