Latest uprising in Russia: Putin accuses Prigozhin of treason

Vladimir Putin has said that “the fate of our people is being decided” and accused Yevgeny Prigozhin of “treason” after the warlord launched a rebellion against Russia’s military and captured at least one Russian city. took.

In his first remarks after Prigozhin, the founder of the notorious mercenary group Wagner, announced a “justice march” against the army leadership, Russia’s President Putin said the mutiny was a “stab in the back for our country and our people”.

Without naming Prigozhin, who had so far enjoyed his personal protection, Putin said: “What we are dealing with is treason. Unbridled ambitions and personal interests have betrayed our country and our people, and this is why the fighters and commanders of the Wagner Group fought and died along with other units.

Putin vowed that he would “neutralise” the rebellion and said that Wagner’s rank-and-file had been “deceived and threatened” into participating in the first coup attempt in Russia in three decades.

“I, as a citizen of Russia, will do everything to protect the country. Decisive steps will be taken. They will be tough,” he said. “We will overcome all challenges and emerge even stronger.”