24-6-2023 (MOSCOW) President Vladimir Putin delivered a televised speech at 9 am to confront the armed uprising led by Yevgeny Prigozhin, branding his Russian mercenary group Wagner as a “traitorous organization” that poses a threat to national stability. Putin expressed grave concerns that the country is being driven towards the brink of civil war. He announced the implementation of counter-terrorism measures to suppress the rebellion and issued a stern warning that those supporting the insurgents would face severe consequences.
In his address to the Russian people, military, and security forces, Putin emphasized the importance of unity in the face of internal betrayal. He drew parallels between the current uprising and the historical events of 1917, which he described as a period of backstabbing that led to the disintegration of the nation, territorial losses, and opportunistic gains.
Putin condemned the betrayal of the Wagner fighters, who had previously fought for Russia, and warned that the rebellion would be met with a strong response. Acknowledging the challenging times the country is facing, he stressed the need to set aside personal grievances during special military operations.
The Russian armed forces have received explicit orders to neutralize those who have taken up arms against the state. Putin affirmed that decisive measures would be taken to restore order in Rostov. As a fellow Russian citizen, he pledged to exert maximum effort in defending the country and taking vigorous action against those responsible for the unrest.
In response to the escalating situation, the National Antiterrorism Committee of Russia has declared a state of emergency in Moscow and the surrounding region. This declaration aims to prevent potential terrorist attacks. The Voronezh region, which shares a border with Ukraine, has also implemented a state of emergency. These counterterrorism measures will grant authorities increased control, facilitate arrests, and allow for more frequent monitoring of phone communications.
These developments come on the heels of Wagner’s announcement of an armed uprising against the leadership of the Russian military. Prigozhin has accused Defence Minister Sergei Shoigu and Chief of the General Staff Valery Gerasimov of being responsible for the deaths of his fighters. He vowed to topple the Russian military leadership and claimed to have crossed into Russia with his 25,000-strong army to achieve his objectives.
The situation has raised concerns in Ukraine, with a senior aide to President Volodymyr Zelenskyy stating that this is just the beginning of the turmoil in Russia. Mykhailo Podolyak, the aide, referred to Prigozhin’s actions as a “counter-terrorist operation” and argued that the evident rift among Russian elites cannot be ignored.
In the meantime, the Russian Defence Ministry has urged Wagner fighters to establish contact with their representatives and law enforcement services, assuring them of their safety. The ministry also accused Prigozhin of deceiving and manipulating Wagner fighters into embarking on a criminal adventure.
