Putin denounces Wagner’s entry into Rostov as an act of “betrayal” and a “stab” at Russia

24 () – Russian President Vladimir Putin denounced this Saturday an act of “treason” after the entry of the leader of the Wagner mercenary group, Yevgeni Prigozhin, into the Russian city of Rostov, headquarters of the command south of the Russian Army, which the president has described as an act of rebellion and a “stab in the back” to the troops and people of Russia.

In his first appearance after the start of the incidents last night, Putin did not identify Prigozhin by name and wanted to distinguish Wagner’s forces, by asking “those who have been pushed to provoke this military rebellion” to depose arms in what he ultimately denounced as an “internal riot” and, above all, as a “stab” for the Russian troops and for the people.

After recognizing the work of the group as “heroes” in the war in Ukraine, Putin has issued a harsh warning against those who participate in what he described as a riot. “Any internal riot is a deadly threat to our state, to us as a nation. It is a blow against our nation, our people. And our actions to defend the homeland from such a threat will be brutal,” he warned.

“Anyone”, he insisted, “who has consciously followed the path of treason, who has prepared the armed mutiny, has followed the path of blackmail and terrorist actions, will receive an inevitable punishment”, the president added.

In a speech peppered with references to Russia’s historical background, Putin compared what happened last night with the events of 1917, when “the intrigues and discussions behind the Army’s back led to a catastrophe, to the destruction of the Army and the State and in the loss of huge territories, resulting in tragedy and civil war.”

“The beneficiaries of this were political schemers and foreign powers who divided the country. We will not let this happen again,” he added.

“Any internal turmoil is a deadly threat to our statehood as a nation; it is a blow to Russia, to our people, and to the actions we are taking to protect our homeland,” he said.

“Our actions to defend the homeland from this threat will be very harsh, and those responsible will be brought to justice,” insisted the Russian president, who nonetheless confirmed that the situation in Rostov is “difficult” because “the operation of the civil and military control departments is practically blocked” and has promised “decisive measures to stabilize the situation”.

“As President of Russia and Supreme Commander”, Putin has been concluding, “I will do everything possible to defend the country, protect the Constitution, life and security, the freedom of citizens”.

“Those who prepared the military mutiny, who have taken up arms against their comrades, have betrayed Russia and will pay for it. And to those who are being dragged into the crime, I ask you not to make this crucial, tragic and unrepeatable mistake. Take the right decision: stop participating in criminal actions,” Putin concluded.