Amid an armed rebellion declared by mercenary group Wagner’s chief Yevgeny Prigozhin in Russia, world leaders are reacting to the development. President Vladimir Putin declared on Saturday his determination to quash the rebellion, which claimed to have seized control of the southern Russian city of Rostov-on-Don. “All those who prepared the rebellion will suffer inevitable punishment. The armed forces and other government agencies have received the necessary orders,” Putin said, as per media reports.
UJ PM calls for protecting civilians
The British Prime Minister, Rishi Sunak, expressed his concern over the situation in Russia, where an armed insurrection led by Prigozhin took control of Rostov-on-Don. He emphasised the importance of protecting civilians and called on all parties involved to act responsibly.
The British government stated that the Wagner Group forces had crossed from Russian-occupied parts of Ukraine to Russia and had likely occupied key security sites in Rostov-on-Don. They also noted the movement of additional Wagner units toward Moscow.
White House is monitoring situation
President Joe Biden has been briefed on the situation in Russia, which US officials describe as serious. The White House National Security Council is monitoring the situation and consulting with allies and partners.
Zelensky says insurrection reveals Russia’s weakness
President Zelensky highlighted the political instability within Russia, indicating that the armed insurrection by the Wagner mercenary group reveals Russia’s weakness. He underscored Ukraine’s ability to protect Europe from the spread of Russian chaos.
“Russia’s weakness is obvious. Full-scale weakness. And the longer Russia keeps its troops and mercenaries on our land, the more chaos, pain, and problems it will have for itself later,” he said and added, “Ukraine is able to protect Europe from the spread of Russian evil and chaos.”
Poland leaders hold consultations
Poland President Andrzej Duda held consultations with the prime minister and the Ministry of Defense in response to the situation in Russia. He mentioned that they are closely monitoring the events unfolding beyond their eastern border.
W związku z sytuacją w Rosji odbyliśmy dziś rano konsultacje z Premierem i MON, a także z Sojusznikami. Przebieg wydarzeń za naszą wschodnią granicą jest na bieżąco monitorowany.
— Andrzej Duda (@AndrzejDuda) June 24, 2023
Estonia and Latvia
Prime Minister Kaja Kallas of Estonia assured that there is no direct threat to their country but emphasised that border security has been strengthened.
Estonia is closely following the development of the situation in Russia and exchanging information with allies.
I can assure that there is no direct threat to our country.
Border security has been strengthened. I also urge our people not to travel to any part of Russia.
— Kaja Kallas (@kajakallas) June 24, 2023
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She advised people not to travel to any part of Russia. President Egils Levits of Latvia stated that their state leadership and relevant services are closely monitoring the events in Russia, and border control has been strengthened.
Macron reaffirms focus on supporting Ukraine
The French President, Emmanuel Macron, is closely following the situation in Russia and reaffirmed their focus on supporting Ukraine.
Germany closely monitoring events
The German government spokesperson said the country is closely monitoring the events in Russia.
Italy PM: Ukraine assault causing instability in Russia
Prime Minister Meloni is closely following the events in Russia while at the same time rebuked Russia for its ‘assaalt’ on Ukraine. “Prime Minister Meloni is closely following events in Russia, which show that its assault on Ukraine is causing instability within Russia,” her office said.
Romania govt in touch with allies
President Klaus Iohannis of Romania stated that Romanian authorities are closely monitoring the events in Russia. They are in constant contact with their allies and remain informed about the developments.
Czech FM: My summer vacation in Crimea approaching
Czech Republic Foreign Minister Jan Lipavsky humorously commented on the situation, mentioning his upcoming summer vacation in Crimea. Lipavsky wrote, “I see that my summer vacation in Crimea is approaching.”
Koukám, že se moje letní dovolená na Krymu přibližuje. ⛱️🇺🇦
— Jan Lipavský (@JanLipavsky) June 24, 2023
EU chief affirms unwavering support for Ukraine
The EU is carefully observing the developments in Russia following the rebellion led by the Wagner mercenary group. EU Chief Charles Michel stated that they are in touch with their G7 partners and affirmed their unwavering support for Ukraine.
Iran: Wagner Group mutiny Russia’s internal issue
Terming it an internal issue, Tehran said that it upholds the rule of law. This comes as Nasser Kanani, spokesperson for the Iranian foreign ministry was speaking over the recent developments in Russia.
“The Islamic Republic of Iran supports the rule of law in the Russian Federation,” Nasser Kan’ani said in a statement.
