Russian President Vladimir Putin said that the authorities would not allow a repeat of the tragedy of the civil war and would protect the state and the people from any threats, including internal treachery.
In response to the coup, President Putin has also released a televised statement on the incident denouncing the attack as a ‘stab in the back’. Although, not specifically mentioning the Wagner fighters, Putin said in the address some Russians have been ‘tricked into a criminal adventure’.
“I promise imminent punishment to those who deliberately took the path of betrayal and prepared an armed rebellion,” Putin says.
The Russian president said anti-terror measures were in place and urged fighters not to take part in what has been described as a coup.
It comes after Yevgeny Prigozhin, the head of Wagner, launched an insurrection with his mercenaries and apparently took parts of the southern city of Rostov, which serves as a regional HQ for the invasion of Ukraine.
Putin said: “This is a criminal adventuristic campaign. It’s equivalent to armed mutiny.
“We will defend ourselves and repel this move. We are fighting for the life and security of our citizens and our territory.