Putin calls rebellion of Wagner PMC "betrayal", "treason"

In an address to the nation, Russian President Vladimir Putin called Yevgeny Prigozhin's rebellion "betrayal" and "treason", as well as "a blow to Russia."

Vladimir Putin's full address:

"I appeal to the citizens of Russia, to the personnel of the Armed Forces, law enforcement agencies, and special services, to the servicemen and commanders who are now fighting at their combat positions, repelling the enemy's attacks, doing so heroically - I know, I spoke again tonight with commanders of all directions. I am also addressing those, who have been drawn into this criminal scheme through deceit or threats, who have been pushed towards this grave crime of armed mutiny.

Russia today is fighting an uphill battle for its future, reflecting the 'aggression of neo-Nazis' and their masters. In fact, the entire military, economic, and information machine of the West is directed against us. We are fighting for the lives and security of our people, for our sovereignty and independence. For the right to be and remain Russia - a state with a thousand-year history.

This battle, when the fate of our people is being decided, requires the unity of all forces, consolidation, and responsibility. When everything that weakens us, any kind of discord, which our external enemies can and do use to undermine us from the inside, must be put aside.

And so the actions that are splitting our unity are, in essence, an apostasy from our people, from our comrades-in-arms who are fighting on the frontlines right now. It is a stab in the back of our country and our people.

This is exactly the blow that was dealt to Russia in 1917 when the country was fighting in the First World War. But the victory was stolen from it. Intrigues, squabbles, and politicking behind the backs of the army and the people resulted in the greatest shock, the destruction of the army and the state, and the loss of vast territories. The result was the tragedy of the civil war.

The Russians killed the Russians, the brothers killed their brothers, and the lucrative interests were reaped by all kinds of political adventurers and foreign forces who were dividing the country and tearing it apart.

We will not allow this to happen again. We will protect both our people and our statehood against all threats. Including the domestic betrayal.

And what we have faced is just betrayal. Excessive ambitions and vested interests have led to treason. Treason against their country, their people, and the cause for which the fighters and commanders of Wagner fought and died alongside our other units. The heroes who 'liberated' Soledar and Artemovsk, cities and towns in Donbas, fought and gave their lives for 'Novorossia', for the unity of the Russian world. Their name and glory have also been betrayed by those who are trying to organise rebellion, pushing the country towards anarchy and fratricide. Towards defeat, ultimately, and capitulation.

I repeat, any internal turmoil is a mortal threat to our statehood, and to us as a nation. It is a blow to Russia, to our people. And our actions to defend the Fatherland from such a threat will be tough. Everyone who deliberately took the path of betrayal, who prepared an armed mutiny, who took the path of blackmail and terrorist methods, will suffer inevitable punishment, and will be punished before the law and before our people.

The Armed Forces and other government agencies have received the necessary orders, and additional anti-terrorist measures are being introduced in Moscow, the Moscow region, and a number of other regions. Resolute action will also be taken to stabilise the situation in Rostov-on-Don. It remains difficult, with the work of the civilian and military authorities effectively blocked.

As the President of Russia and Commander-in-Chief, as a citizen of Russia, I will do everything possible to defend the country, to protect the constitutional order, the lives, security and freedom of its citizens.

Those who organized and prepared the military mutiny, who raised arms against their comrades-in-arms, betrayed Russia. And they will be held accountable for it. And I urge those who are being dragged into this crime not to make the fatal and tragic, irreversible mistake, to make the only right choice - to stop participating in criminal actions. I believe that we will preserve and defend what is dear and sacred to us and that together with our Fatherland we will overcome any trials and become even stronger".

Wagner Group leader Yevgeny Prigozhin claimed that the regular Russian army had launched a missile strike on the Wagnerites’ rear camps. Prigozhin claimed that Russian Defence Minister Sergei Shoigu arrived in Rostov, where he personally conducted an operation to wipe out the mercenaries.

Prigozhin's 25,000 mercenaries are allegedly going to "restore justice". At the same time, he asked not to call it a "military coup". Prigozhin added that Shoigu had cowardly fled Rostov and "this creature will be stopped". The Russian Defence Ministry called the information a provocation.

Photos and videos of armoured vehicles on the streets of the Russian city of Rostov-on-Don are being posted on Russian social media following Prigozhin’s statement about a de facto declaration of war against the Russian army. Checkpoints are set up at entrances to Moscow.

Prigozhin claimed that his forces had taken control of military facilities in Rostov-on-Don, including the air base, and were heading "to Moscow" and that his soldiers had shot down three Russian helicopters.