Putin: Wagner Revolt Is A Betrayal, Deadly Threat To Russia’s Existence

After rogue mercenary chief Yevgeny Prigozhin claimed on Saturday that he had taken control of a southern city as part of an attempt to overthrow the military leadership, Russian President Vladimir Putin promised to put an end to what he called an armed rebellion.

The unexpected change appeared to be the worst internal issue Putin has faced since he authorized a full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February of last year, which he called a “special military operation.” However, many specifics surrounding the dramatic turn remain unclear.

Russia’s foreign ministry said in a statement on Saturday that it warned Western countries against using the Wagner mercenary group’s mutiny “to achieve their Russophobic goals”.
In a televised address, Putin said that “excessive ambitions and vested interests have led to treason,” and called the mutiny a “stab in the back.”

“It is a blow to Russia, to our people. And our actions to defend the Fatherland against such a threat will be harsh.”
“All those who deliberately stepped on the path of betrayal, who prepared an armed insurrection, who took the path of blackmail and terrorist methods, will suffer inevitable punishment, will answer both to the law and to our people,” Putin said.

“This battle, when the fate of our nation is being decided, requires consolidation of all forces. It requires unity, consolidation, and a sense of responsibility, and everything that weakens us, any strife that our external enemies can use and do so to subvert us from within, must be discarded.

“A blow like this was dealt to Russia in 1917 when the country was fighting in World War I. But the victory was stolen from it: intrigues, squabbles, and politicking behind the backs of the army and the nation turned into the greatest turmoil, the destruction of the army and the collapse of the state, and the loss of vast territories, ultimately leading to the tragedy of the civil war.

“We will not allow this to happen again. We will protect our people and our statehood from any threats, including from internal betrayal.”

“What we are facing is essentially a betrayal. Inflated ambitions and personal interests have led to treason – treason against our country, our people, and the common cause which Wagner Group soldiers and commanders were fighting and dying for shoulder to shoulder, together with our other units and troops. The heroes who liberated Soledar and Artyomovsk, towns and villages in Donbass, fought and gave their lives for Novorossiya and the unity of the Russian world. Their memory and glory have also been betrayed by those who are attempting to stage a revolt and are pushing the country towards anarchy and fratricide – and ultimately, towards defeat and surrender.”
“Those who staged the mutiny and took up arms against their comrades – they have betrayed Russia and will be brought to account. I urge those who are being dragged into this crime not to make a fatal and tragic mistake but make the only right choice: to stop taking part in criminal actions.”