Putin Pledges to Quell Rebellion of Wagner Group Leader Following ‘Armed Mutiny’

By Tunde Eso

Putin Vows to Crush Rebel Mercenary Leader Prigozhin over "Armed Mutiny"

Russian President Vladimir Putin has issued a strong declaration to crush the rebellious mercenary chief, Yevgeny Prigozhin, accusing him of leading an armed mutiny. Prigozhin had claimed on Saturday that his forces had seized control of a southern city in an attempt to overthrow the military leadership. 

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The Wagner Group, the Russian military contractor, also asserted its control over the Rostov-on-Don region, including the city's airport. However, Putin dismissed the unrest as a "deadly threat" and warned of severe consequences.

Reports suggest that Wagner Group fighters continue to advance in various parts of Russia. Prigozhin, the leader of the group, even claimed to have downed a Russian army helicopter.

Tensions escalated between Prigozhin and the Russian Defense Minister following his accusations of treason and falsehood, alleging the military leadership's involvement in the deaths of 2,000 Wagner fighters. The Russian defense ministry refuted these claims, labeling Prigozhin as inciting "armed rebellion and fueling civil war."

The Wagner Group, under Prigozhin's command, played a crucial role in capturing the city of Bakhmut in eastern Ukraine and has warned of escalating tensions and potential revolution within Russia.

Meanwhile, heightened security measures have been reported in Moscow, the capital of Russia.

In his address, President Putin condemned Prigozhin's actions as "treason," emphasizing that any unrest within Russia poses a grave threat, and Moscow will respond firmly. Putin further denounced Wagner's armed rebellion, characterizing it as a betrayal of the Russian people.