Russian president warned Russian rebels “any attempt to create internal turmoil is doomed to failure” as he thanked those who helped avoid “bloodshed” amid Wagner rebellion. Vladimir Putin addressed the nation, while also issuing a warning to “the organisers of the rebellion”.

He stressed that despite reports: “From the very beginning of the events, all the necessary decisions were immediately taken to neutralise the threat that had arisen, to protect the constitutional order, the life and security of our citizens. An armed rebellion would have been suppressed in any case”.

The organisers at the Wagner Group understood everything, including that they went to criminal acts, to split and weaken the country, which is now confronting a colossal external threat, unprecedented pressure from outside. However, the organisers of the rebellion, betraying their country, their people, betrayed those who were drawn into the crime. They lied to them, pushed them to death, under fire, to shoot at their own”.

As part of the speech, the Russian president highlighted “the overwhelming majority” of the Wagner company supported Russia and its war in Ukraine.

He thanked those: “Soldiers and commanders of the Wagner group who made the only right decision - they did not go to fratricidal bloodshed, they stopped at the last line. By turning back they avoided further bloodshed”.

Continuing his address, the Russian president noted that promises made to those from Wagner remain, with soldiers who want to fight alongside Russia free to continue and those rebelling free to go to Belarus: “I thank Wagner soldiers and commanders who did not shed blood - you can sign a contract with the Ministry of Defence, or move to Belarus”.