Vladimir Putin said “the fate of our people is being decided” and accused Yevgeny Prigozhin of “treason” after the warlord launched an uprising against Russian troops and seized at least one Russian city. City.
In his first comments after Prigorzhin, founder of the notorious mercenary group Wagner, declared a “just march” against the army leadership, Russian President Vladimir Putin called the rebellion “a stab in the back for our country and our people”.
Putin did not mention the name of Prigozhin, who has enjoyed personal patronage so far, but said: “What we are facing is an act of treason. Uncontrolled ambition and personal interests have led to the betrayal of our country and people, and to Fighters and commanders of the Wagner Group fought and died alongside other forces.”
Putin vowed he would “quell” the rebellion and said Wagner’s ordinary people had been “deceived and threatened” into taking part in Russia’s first coup in three decades.
“As a Russian citizen, I will do everything in my power to defend the country. Decisive measures will be taken. They will be severe,” he added. “We will overcome all challenges.”