Yevgeny Prigozhin has finally broken the silence to defend his armed mutiny against Moscow - a week after fleeing to Belarus.
The Russian warlord released a voice message to thank his supporters and justify his actions.
Speaking for the first time in a week, Prigozhin defended his attempted coup as a "march to justice".
He also claimed that he had set out to complete his mission to "fight the traitors and mobilise society".
The Russian leader forced Wagner soldiers to chose between signing contacts with the Russian defence ministry or going home to their family
Reuters
The "traitor" finished his speech by urging the Russian people to stand up for him as he pleaded: "We need your support more than ever."
Putin's former ally launched an armed insurrection on June 23 with plans to oust Russia's military leaders.
However, Prigozhin's plans were dumped after he struck a bitter deal with Putin to put an end to the 36-hour mutiny which saw Wagner forces reach within 125 miles of Moscow.
In Monday's message, he added: “In the near future, I am sure that you will see our next victories at the front."
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As part of the deal, the Russian leader forced Wagner soldiers to chose between signing contacts with the Russian defence ministry or going home to their family.
Prigozhin has only spoken out on one other occasion since the mutiny.
On June 26, he explained on Telegram that he called on his fighters to return to prevent a bloodbath and denied accusations he had tried to launch a coup.
He said the insurrection was not aimed at "overthrowing the government" but an attempt to "avoid the destruction of Wagner".
Prigozhin's plans were dumped after he struck a bitter deal with Putin to put an end to the 36-hour mutiny which saw Wagner forces reach within 125 miles of Moscow
Reuters
It is now rumoured that the warlord may be staying at a budget hotel in the Belarusian capital of Minsk.
However, his plane has been spotted by Flightradar24 flying between Belarus, Moscow and St. Petersburg.
He has not been seen in public and his press team said he cannot be reached at the moment.
