Russian President Vladimir Putin warns of harsh response to rebellious Wagner fighters
Russian President Vladimir Putin issued a stern warning on Saturday in a televised address, expressing his determination to respond forcefully to the rebellious actions of the Wagner fighters. While not directly naming Yevgeny Prigozhin, the leader of the Wagner group, Putin condemned the “ambitions” of certain individuals, labeling their actions as “high treason.”
“The current events we are witnessing constitute a treacherous act, a stab in the back, and those responsible must face the consequences. Our response to this armed rebellion will be severe. It is imperative that we unite all our forces in Russia,” declared the president, emphasizing his commitment to punishing the “traitors.”
Putin asserted that the Wagner Group’s armed mutiny is an act of treason, declaring that anyone who takes up arms against the Russian military will face retribution. He assured that decisive measures would be taken to restore stability in Rostov-on-Don.
Wagner Group takes on Russia
Amidst these developments, Yevgeny Prigozhin, the head of the Wagner private military company, declared that he and his troops had infiltrated Russia to overthrow the country’s military command. Prigozhin claimed to have gained control over military installations, including an aerodrome, in Rostov-on-Don. The Wagner group further asserted that they had seized Russian military facilities in Voronezh. Prigozhin announced his willingness to sacrifice the lives of his 25,000 soldiers.
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As Wagner fighters assumed control over key military establishments in Russian cities, the authorities escalated security measures across several regions. The mayor of Moscow stated that “anti-terrorism” actions were being implemented in the city.
In response to Prigozhin’s declaration of armed rebellion, Russian security services ordered his arrest. Critical facilities in Moscow were reportedly under reinforced protection. The FSB security service initiated a criminal case against Prigozhin for armed mutiny, accusing him of attempting to incite a “civil conflict” and calling on Wagner fighters to capture him.
Russia orders Wagner chief’s arrest
The armed rebellion stems from Prigozhin’s long-standing feud with Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu and Russia’s top general, Valery Gerasimov. Prigozhin has openly accused them of incompetence and withholding ammunition and support for Wagner’s operations in Ukraine. The defense ministry dismissed these allegations as baseless provocations.
Why an armed rebellion?
Prigozhin alleges that the Russian military carried out a fatal missile strike on Wagner troops in Ukraine, a claim refuted by the defense ministry. He released a video stating that the Wagner forces would continue blockading the city and proceed to Moscow unless he meets with Sergei Shoigu and Valery Gerasimov, emphasizing that he seeks a non-confrontational approach. Prigozhin describes his criticism of the military leadership as a “march of justice” rather than a coup.
The mercenary leader has increasingly diverged from the Kremlin’s narrative on the war, while warning Russians that full mobilization and martial law are necessary to avoid defeat in Ukraine. He has also accused Russia’s top defense officials of exploiting the conflict for personal gain, leaving the nation vulnerable after a border incursion by attackers from Ukraine.