During a national address, Russian President Vladimir Putin pledged that the organizers of the Wagner “rebellion” will be brought to justice, saying that it was “criminal activity that weakens the country and is a colossal threat to security.” Putin, however, did not specifically name Wagner head Yevgeny Prigozhin, who was previously assured by the Kremlin that he would not face criminal charges of treason.
Putin also thanked security forces of Russia and specifically honored the Russian pilots who were shot down by Wagner forces as they moved towards Moscow.
The President also said that a “Majority of Wagner area patriots of Russia and have shown their courrage in defending Donbas, but were encouraged to fight against their compatriots.” He thanked Wagner commanders and soldiers for turning back to prevent “tragic and devastating consequences.”
Lastly, he thanked Belarus President Alexander Lukashenko for “achieving a peaceful resolution” with Wagner and the “patriotic duty of everyone that has saved Russia.”
