For more information: – Putin’s TV speech on the uprising of the Wagner mercenaries

“I address the citizens of Russia, the members of the armed forces, law enforcement and intelligence services, the soldiers and commanders who are now fighting in their combat positions, repelling the enemy’s attacks and doing so heroically. I know that, (because) I spoke again this evening with the commanders of all sectors of the front. I also address those who have been lured into this criminal adventure by deception or threats and driven into the path of the most serious crime: armed mutiny.”

“Today Russia is fighting a hard battle for its future. It repels the aggression of the neo-Nazis and their masters. Virtually the entire military, economic and information machine of the West is against us. We fight for the life and security of our people, for our sovereignty and independence. For the right to be and to remain Russia – a state with a thousand-year history.”

“A push in the back of our people”
“And so the actions that divide our unity are indeed defections of our people, of our comrades who are now fighting on the front lines. This is a stab in the back of our country and our people.”

“This is exactly the blow dealt to Russia in 1917 when the country was fighting in World War I. But victory had been stolen from him. Intrigues, bickering, political machinations behind the back of the army and the back of the people led to the greatest shock, the defeat of the army and the collapse of the state, the loss of vast territories. The result was the tragedy of the Civil War.”

“We will not allow such a thing to happen again. We will protect both our people and our state from all threats, including internal treason.”

“And what we have experienced is precisely this betrayal. Exaggerated ambition and self-interest have led to betrayal. Betrayal of their own country, of their own people and of the cause for which the fighters and commanders of Gruppe Wagner fought and died together with our other units. The heroes who liberated Soledar and Artemovsk (Russian name for the eastern Ukrainian city of Bakhmut, editor’s note), as well as the cities and towns of Donbass, who fought for Novorossiya and gave their lives for the unity of the Russian world. Her name and fame have also been betrayed by those who tried to organize an uprising and push the country towards anarchy and fratricide. Ultimately towards defeat and surrender.”

“I repeat: any internal unrest is a mortal threat to our state, to us as a nation. It is a blow against Russia, against our people. And our approach to defending the homeland against such a threat will be difficult. All those who have deliberately embarked on the path of betrayal, who have prepared an armed uprising, who have embarked on the path of blackmail and terrorist methods, will suffer the inevitable punishment. You will be accountable to both the law and our people.

“Protect the freedom of citizens”
“The armed forces and other government agencies have received the necessary orders. Additional anti-terrorist measures are being taken in Moscow, the Moscow region and a number of other regions. Decisive measures are also being taken in Rostov-on-Don to stabilize the situation. The situation there remains difficult as the work of the civil and military authorities is effectively blocked.”

“As President of Russia and Commander-in-Chief, as a citizen of Russia, I will do everything I can to defend the country, to protect the constitutional order, life, security and freedom of its citizens.”

“Those who organized and prepared the military uprising, who took up arms against their comrades-in-arms, betrayed Russia. And they will be held responsible for it. And I urge those involved in this crime not to commit fatal and tragic special wrong, but to make the only right decision and stop participating in criminal activities.”

“I believe that we will preserve and defend what is dear and sacred to us. And together with our homeland, we will pass all the trials and become even stronger.”