Russia Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu made his first public appearance after the country witnessed a series of dramatic events on Saturday after Wagner boss Yevgeny Prigozhin called for mutiny-- in the latest event that demonstrated a feud between the country's top defence officials and private armies publically.
In a video released by his ministry, it shows Shoigu flying in a helicopter and then attending a meeting with military officers at a military headquarters in Ukraine. According to RIA news agency,
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Citing the Russian Defence Ministry, the RIA News agency reported that the commanders of the Western Group of Forces have been tasked with continuing active reconnaissance "in order to reveal the "enemy's plans" in advance and prevent their implementation on the distant approaches to the line of contact."
During his visit, the minister paid special attention to the organization of comprehensive support for the troops involved in the special military operation and the creation of conditions for the safe deployment of personnel. Besides, the defence minister noted the effectiveness of the West grouping in identifying and destroying military equipment and concentrations of enemy personnel.
Wagner's mutiny that called off within 24 hours
It is worth mentioning Russia witnessed a series of dramatic events on Saturday after Prigozhin called for mutiny-- in the latest event that demonstrated a feud between the country's official and private armies publically. Subsequently, multiple videos showed Wagner fighters capturing the city of Rostov before racing north in convoy, transporting tanks and armoured trucks and smashing through barricades set up to stop them. Later, multiple media reports also claimed oil depots and crucial buildings were blown by the private armed group.
Putin's desperate call to Wagner
Amid the dramatic situation, President Putin appeared on national television channels where he asserted that the country was fighting against "some people" who unfortunately called for mutiny against their own country. The Russian President condemned Wagner's boss's act and dubbed his statements called for an armed civil conflict on Russian territory. "Prigozhin’s statements and actions effectively constitute calls for an armed civil conflict on Russian territory and a stab in the back of Russian servicemen fighting with pro-Nazi Ukrainian forces."
"I appeal to the Russians, the military and law enforcement agencies, and to those who were pushed onto the path of armed rebellion by deceit and threats. Russia is waging a hard struggle for its future, the entire military and information machine of the West is directed against Russia," he added. "Any strife must be discarded during the period of the special operation, now the fate of our people is being decided. We faced betrayal, exorbitant ambitions led to the betrayal of Russia," stressed the Russian President.
Wagner chief Prigozhin will move to Belarus after negotiations
Subsequently, the head of the private paramilitary group announced to halt his operation against Putin after striking an apparent deal brokered by Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko. Although Prigozhin, a top and trustworthy ally of President Putin asserted his decision came in order to avoid "bloodshed", Presidential Spokesman Dmitry Peskov confirmed that Wagner's boss has signed contracts with the Russian Defense Ministry to avoid similar situations.
Also Read: China downplays Wagner's attempt to oust Putin's regime; Will India respond?
