Moscow: A situation like civil war has been averted in Russia. However, after the rebellion by the private army in Russia, questions have also been raised about the leadership of Russian President Vladimir Putin. Meanwhile, Putin addressed Russia for the first time after the coup was postponed. Putin on Monday thanked the commanders and soldiers of the private army for preventing bloodshed in Russia, addressing the nation after a short-lived uprising by the Wagner Group mercenary army.
In a widely televised address, the Russian leader stressed that the West and Ukraine wanted to see Russians turn against each other, according to the news agency AFP. Putin further said that ‘this was exactly what Russia’s enemies and Kyiv wanted. They wanted Russian soldiers to kill each other.’ He further said ‘Any blackmail, attempt to create internal disturbance will fail.’
Putin further said in his address that ‘right from the beginning of the events, on my orders, steps were taken to avoid large-scale bloodshed.’ Offered to sign a contract with or move to neighboring Belarus.
“Today you have the possibility to continue serving Russia by signing a contract with the Ministry of Defense or other law enforcement agencies, or to return to your family and close people…Whoever wants to go to Belarus can go,” he said. In addition, he thanked his Belarusian counterpart Alexander Lukashenko for serving as a mediator between Wagner Group leader Yevgeny Prigozhin and Moscow.
Prigozhin said the purpose of the march is not to overthrow the government
Putin’s address came on the same day that Wagner chief Yevgeny Prigozhin issued a statement defending his rebellion. On Monday, Wagner chief Yevgeny Prigozhin said the march to Moscow was aimed at stopping the destruction of Wagner’s private military company and bringing justice to those who, through their unprofessional actions, killed large numbers of people during special army operations. Made mistakes He said that this march was a protest and its purpose was not to overthrow the government.
