Vladimir Putin has vowed to crush the Wagner Group’s “mutiny” as mercenaries working with Yevgeny Priogzhin prepare to march to Moscow and topple the Russian President.
Putin came out fighting just hours after Prigozhin claimed to have taken control of the army headquarters in southern Russia’s Rostov-on-Don.
Putin said: “This is a criminal adventuristic campaign. It is equivalent to armed mutiny. Russia will defend itself.
“We are fighting for the life and security of our citizens and our territorial integrity.”
Yevgeny Prigozhin, known as 'Putin's chef, heads up the mercenary Wagner GroupReuters He continued: “It is an attempt to subvert us from inside. This is treason.”
Taking a swipe at Prigozhin, Putin described the rebellion as an act of “anarchy and capitulation”.
The Russian President added: “Those who mutiny have betrayed Russia and I urge anybody involved in it to cease any kind of participation in armed conflict.”
Responding to Putin's speech, the Wagner Group said on its Telegram channel: "Putin made the wrong choice. All the worse for him. Soon we will have a new President."
Prigozhin, who as a longstanding ally was known as Putin’s chef, announced he wanted to topple the top brass of the Russian military yesterday.
He made the announcement after claiming Russia had launched a missile strike against Wagner Group mercenaries.
Russian President Vladimir PutinReutersPrigozhin said: "We’re 25,000 strong, and we’re going to get to the bottom of the lawlessness in this country.
"Twenty-five-thousand are waiting as a tactical reserve, while the strategic reserve is the entire army and the entire country.
"Everyone who wants to, join us. We need to put an end to this disgrace."
Prigozhin has since claimed victory in Rostov-on-Don.
He said: “We are inside the (army) headquarters, it is 7.30am (5.30 BST).”
Wagner GroupReutersThe 62-year-old added: “Military sites in Rostov, including an aerodrome, are under control.”
However, Putin appeared to tone down the events in Rostov-on-Don, saying the situation remains “very complicated”.
Moscow also rejected Priogzhin’s claim about an aerial strike as the National Anti-Terrorism Committee launched a criminal probe against the 62-year-old.
The UK’s Ministry of Defence (MoD) has revealed the Wagner Group has “almost certainly occupied key security sites” in Rostov-on-Don.
The Wagner Group touched down in Rostov-on-DonReutersThe MoD added: “Further Wagner units are moving north through Vorenezh Oblast, almost certainly aiming to get to Moscow.
“With very limited evidence of fighting between Wagner and Russian security forces, some have likely remained passive, acquiescing to Wagner.
“Over the coming hours, the loyalty of Russia’s security forces, and especially the Russian National Guard, will be key to how the crisis plays out.
“This represents the most significant challenge to the Russian state in recent times.”
