In a televised speech, President Putin said he had given the order to “avoid bloodshed,” which he believed Ukraine and the West wanted during the failed uprising by the paramilitary group Wagner, thanking Russians for their “patriotism” and their solidarity.
“I thank you (Russians) for your determination, your unity and your patriotism. This civic unity shows that any threat (…) is doomed to failure”he said. “From the very beginning of events, measures were taken on my direct instructions to avoid a major bloodbath”Mr. Putin said during a televised address that the West judged that Ukraine wanted “such fratricide.”
“An armed rebellion would have been crushed anyway” He insists.
He then offered Wagner’s militia to either join the regular Russian army or “return to their families” or go to Belarus. ““My promise will be kept,” he said. He also thanked”Soldiers and Wagner fighters who made the right decision to leave.”
however, “Those who organized this uprising must be brought to justice”.
In Moscow, apparent silence, rumors and internal conflicts: “They did 800 km without a hitch, proof that he is supported by many”
After a short speech by the Russian president, Vladimir Putin is now with his top security officials, the Kremlin announced. “Vladimir Putin is in a working meeting”, specifically, Prosecutor General Igor Krasnov, Interior Minister Vladimir Golokoltsev, Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu, FSB (Security Service) Director Alexander Portnikov and National Guard Chief Viktor Zolotov, noted. A spokesman for President Dmitry Peskov was quoted as saying by public company Ria Novosti.
The Russian leader took the opportunity to thank the state security officials for their work during the Wagner group’s rebellion. “I have called you together to thank you for the work done in these few days and to discuss the situation,” Putin said during the meeting, which was attended by Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu. Staff Valery Kurasimov, both declared enemies of Wagner’s boss, Yevgeny Prigozhin.
Belarusian president will speak ‘very soon’
Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko will also deliver a speech “very soon,” two days after the paramilitary group crushed Wagner’s rebellion, announcing a telegram channel close to the leader. “A lot of questions, inputs, versions and assumptions… (the president) will say everything, answer everything. Very soon!”, a Telegram channel close to the Belarusian presidency pointed out.
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