Putin addresses the nation amid crisis, calls Prigozhin a traitor

Moscow, Jun 24: Russian President Vladimir Putin on Saturday began his address to the nation on television after Russian mercenary chief Yevgeny Prigozhin warned Russia to oust the leadership of the Defence Ministry over its purported incompetence. He called armed rebellion by mercenary chief 'betrayal,' promises to 'defend the people' and Russia.

 

 

 

“Everyone who took up arms against the army is a traitor. Will do everything to protect Russia. Wagner chief 'betrayed' Russia out of personal ambition," Putin said while addressing the nation. He also said that Russia's fighting 'the toughest battle for its future' as mercenary chief leads an armed rebellion. “Armed rebellion by Wagner chief blocked civilian, military governing bodies in the key southern city," Putin said. The chief of mercenary group Prigozhin issued his first public address from the headquarters of the Southern Military District in Rostov-on-Don, which Wagner PMC now fully control.

 

 

 

The Russian Ministry of Defence has informed Wagner fighters that they were deceived and involved in a criminal endeavor. They are advised to contact their representatives and law enforcement services for further assistance, Reuters reported. In a statement posted on Telegram, the ministry urged Wagner fighters to contact its representatives and those of law enforcement services and promised to guarantee their security. Media reports stated that the Wagner Group has shot down 3 Russian helicopters so far. The group has vowed to topple the Russian military leadership, whom he accused of launching strikes on his men, while the country's prosecutor general said he was under investigation for "armed rebellion". The Russian authorities have also tightened security measures in several regions, after the chief warning to the country. He has repeatedly also complained that the Russian military failed to supply Wagner with sufficient ammunition to capture Bakhmut and threatened to pull out his men.

 

Also Read: Wagner group rebels against Russia? Captures the Russian city of Rostov 

 

The mayor of Moscow Sergei Sobyanin said on Saturday that "anti-terror" measures were being taken in the Russian capital after the chief of mercenary group Wagner vowed to bring down the country's military leadership. "In connection with the incoming information in Moscow, anti-terrorist measures aimed at strengthening security are being taken," he said.