Russian president Vladimir Putin has now has two wars to fight – one external, the other dramatically internal.
While the war with Ukraine is still tragically alive, a rebellion by the Wagner Group of mercenaries has broke out.
Recognising the threat on Saturday, Putin made a national broadcast, talking tough as he has always done.
He describe the uprising as a “stab in the back” and vowed “decisive action” would be taken.
Putin made the comments in a televised address on Saturday June 24, after Wagner chief Yevgeny Prigozhin announced that military sites in the city of Rostov-on-Don are under the control of his mercenary group.
It comes after Prigozhin declared war on the Russian Ministry of Defence, accusing the Russian military of attacking Wagner positions in Ukraine.
“Those who have organised an armed rebellion will be held accountable,” Putin said without mentioning Wagner or Prigozhin by name, “those who have been drawn into this, I call on you to stop your criminal actions.”
Yevgeny Prigozhin: The man leading civil war in Russia
Putin said that the troops “who went on the path of treason will be punished and will be held accountable,” adding, “the armed forces have been given the necessary orders.”
“Personal interests have led to the betrayal of our country and the cause that our armed forces are fighting,” added Putin.
A civil war is currently going on in Russia between Wagner forces led by Prighozin and the Russian military.
