On June 24, Russian President Vladimir Putin made an address to the nation regarding the developing situation with PMC Wagner and its head Evgeny Prigozhin.
In a televised speech, the Russian President said that the attempted rebellion amounts to a betrayal of Russia and its people. Putin emphasized that the country’s law enforcement agencies will take decisive actions to restore order.
He noted that Russia is engaged in a historic struggle to safeguard its future while “repelling aggression from neo-Nazis and their masters”.
“We are fighting for the lives and safety of our people, for our sovereignty and independence. For the right to be and remain Russia,” Putin said urging Russians to put aside all the divisions that could be exploited by foreign adversaries.
“That’s why the actions that split our unity are, in fact, apostasy of our people, of our comrades-in-arms that right now fight on the frontline. This is a stab in the back to our country and our people.”
Putin added that “decisive actions” will be employed to stabilize the situation in Rostov-on-Don city where the main developments are now taking place. LINK
The president also appealed to those “who have been drawn into this criminal gamble by deceit or threats,” without naming Prigozhin in particular. Putin urged people involved in the situation to “make the only right choice and stop taking part in criminal actions.”
A full speech of President Vladimir Putin translated to English by RT: