Putin calls Wagner rebellion high treason, says it’s a ‘stab in the back’

June 24, 2023 9:13 am

Russian President Vladimir Putin has addressed threats of a military confrontation from Wagner Group, a militia in the country.

Yevgeny Prigozhin, leader of the mercenary group, mobilised his troops against the country’s military on Friday after accusing the army of a rocket attack which allegedly killed scores of his men.

Prigozhin said his fighters had crossed the border from Ukraine, where they had been fighting alongside Russia, into Rostov-on-Don, a Russian city, and would destroy anyone in their way, including roadblocks and aircraft.

He promised to take revenge and “stop the evil brought by the military leadership of the country”.

He called on interested change seekers to join his quest for justice, clarifying that the rebellion was not a military coup.

Speaking during an emergency televised address on Saturday, Putin said anyone involved in the “armed mutiny” would face consequences as traitors of the state.

Putin said he would do everything to protect Russia, and that “all relevant orders have been given to the Russian military” to deal with the situation.

He added that “decisive action” would be taken to stabilise the situation in Rostov-on-Don where the Wagner chief said his forces had taken control of all military installations.

Putin said some Russians had been “tricked into the criminal adventure”, describing the rebellion as “high treason”.

“This internal mutiny is a mortal blow to us,” Putin said, adding that the situation is a “stab in the back on our troops and the people of Russia”.

Mykhailo Podolyak, adviser to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, said the development in Russia has “already led to the capture of Rostov, a number of federal highways, the headquarters of the Southern District and #СВО“.

#Prigozhin's (#Wagner) counter-terrorist operation on the territory of #Russia has already led to the capture of #Rostov, several federal highways, the headquarters of the Southern District and "#SMO." The events gained widespread publicity in Russia and even an insulting legal… pic.twitter.com/2nNoxizcvP

— Михайло Подоляк (@Podolyak_M) June 24, 2023