Russian President Vladimir Putin, in a televised address to the nation late on Monday, thanked Russians for their ‘patriotism’ during the mercenary revolt.
“I once again appeal to all citizens of Russia. Thank you for your endurance, solidarity and patriotism. This civil solidarity has shown that any blackmail, any attempt to create internal turmoil is doomed to failure. I repeat, we saw the greatest consolidation of society, executive and legislative power at all levels. A firm, unambiguous position in support of the constitutional order was taken by public organisations, religious denominations, and leading political parties. In fact, the entire Russian society,” he said.
“An armed rebellion would have been suppressed in any case. The organisers of the rebellion, despite being inadequate, could not fail to understand this. They understood everything. Including that they undertook criminal acts, to split and weaken the country, which is now confronting a colossal external threat, unprecedented pressure from outside. When on the frontline – with the words “Not a step back!” – our comrades are dying,” he added.
“However, the organisers of the rebellion, betraying their country, and their people, betrayed those who were lured into the crime. They lied to them, pushed them towards death, under fire, to shoot their own (people). It was precisely this outcome – fratricide – that Russia’s enemies wanted: both the neo-Nazis in Kyiv, and their Western masters, and all sorts of national traitors. They wanted Russian soldiers to kill each other.”
He then thanked the Wagner mercenary fighters and commanders who had stood down to avoid bloodshed.
“We knew and we know that the vast majority of the fighters and commanders of the Wagner Group are also Russian patriots, devoted to their people and state. They proved it with their courage on the battlefield, liberating the Donbas and Novorossiya. They tried to use them in the dark against their brothers-in-arms, with whom they fought together for the sake of the country and its future. Therefore, from the very beginning of the events, on my direct instructions, steps were taken to avoid a lot of bloodshed.”
He said that he would honour his promise to allow Wagner fighters to relocate to Belarus, if they wanted, or to sign a contract with the Defence Ministry or simply return to their families.
“I thank those soldiers and commanders of the Wagner Group who made the only right decision – they did not turn to fratricidal bloodshed, they stopped at the last line. Today you have the opportunity to continue serving Russia by entering into a contract with the Ministry of Defence or other law enforcement agencies or to return to your family and friends. Whoever wants to can go to Belarus. The promise I made will be fulfilled.”
(With inputs from agencies)
