Putin's address to the nation: Amid the crisis-like situation in Russia, President Vladimir Putin, while addressing the nation asserted that the country was fighting against "some people" who unfortunately called for mutiny against their own country. He claimed that the Western forces were against the latest development and added the forces will safeguard the nation against any threats.
He accused Prigozhin of "internal betrayal".
This came a day after Russian mercenary group Wagner, in a staunch warning to the leadership, warned the Putin government to topple the country's Defence Ministry amid an internal feud between the private army and armed forces.
Yevgeny Viktorovich Prigozhin-- a Russian oligarch, mercenary chief, and a close confidant of Russian president Vladimir Putin, in a video message posted on a social media platform, warned his forces would "destroy everything" in their way. The Wagner boss claimed that the agitated forces already crossed the border from war-torn Ukraine and entered Russia where the armed group was prepared to go "all the way" against Moscow's military.
Although security was heightened in Moscow and in Rostov-on-Don, which is home to the Russian military headquarters for the southern region and also oversees the fighting in Ukraine, local media reports claimed that forces started accumulating near crucial buildings.
"Stabbed in the back"
Meanwhile, while addressing the nation, 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.
Prigozhin charged with armed mutiny, to face up to 20 years in prison
According to the Russian state news agency, TASS, a criminal case over charges of organization of armed mutiny was initiated against Wagner PMC founder after his Telegram channel published his claims that the Russian Defense Ministry hit PMC units with airstrikes and his calls for supporters to rise against the national government.
Also, the news agency claimed that the ministry has refuted the claims of capturing any military buildings. The Ministry added that Russian forces continue to carry out missions in the special military operation area.
Meanwhile, Kremlin Spokesman Dmitry Peskov voiced that President was informed about the situation around Prigozhin and "necessary measures are being taken." According to the spokesman, all Russian security agencies report to Putin about measures being taken around the clock.
