Putin: Wagner's rebellion was treason.

President Putin stated on television that Wagner's rebellion was an act of treason and that those involved would be punished.

"What we are facing is treason. Excessive ambition and personal gain have led to acts of betrayal against the country and its people. These acts also betray the common cause that the members and commanders of the Wagner Group fought and sacrificed for," Russian President Vladimir Putin said today on national television, referring to the recent activities of the Wagner paramilitary organization led by Yevgeny Prigozhin.

Putin emphasized that Wagner had helped Russia control Bakhmut, but "their name and glory have been betrayed by those who are trying to organize a rebellion."

Putin: Wagner's rebellion was treason. — President Putin spoke on television, calling Wagner's rebellion treasonous. Video : *Reuters*

"All those who embark on the path of treason will be punished and held accountable. The armed forces have received the necessary orders," the Kremlin leader declared, asserting that the rebellion was a "stab in the back" for Russia.

"Those who organized the rebellion will be held accountable. To those who were drawn into this, I urge you to stop your criminal actions," he said.

The Russian leader emphasized that, as president and commander-in-chief, he would "do everything possible to protect the country" and that the government would take "decisive action" to stabilize the situation in the Rostov region in the south of the country, where Prigozhin claimed Wagner had taken complete control of the military base.

Russian President Vladimir Putin speaks on television from Moscow on June 24. Photo: Reuters — Russian President Vladimir Putin speaks on television from Moscow on June 24. Photo: *Reuters*

Putin also stated that Russia is waging a difficult struggle for its future as the entire military and information apparatus of the West is pointed at the country.

"This is a struggle in which the destiny of our nation will be decided; it demands the solidarity of all forces, unity, cooperation, and responsibility," the Russian President emphasized.

The Russian Federal Security Service (FSB) announced on June 23rd that it was opening an investigation into Prigozhin for "inciting rebellion" by calling on Wagner Group forces to oppose the Ministry of Defense .

The FSB announced its decision to prosecute after Prigozhin accused Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu of flying to Rostov to direct the missile attack on a Wagner training camp, which resulted in heavy casualties—an accusation the Russian military denies.

Chief Wagner announced that he was sending 25,000 troops to Rostov to question Minister Shoigu about the attack, while asserting that this was "an operation for justice, not a coup" and that this action "would not hinder the Russian army."

The FSB stated that Prigozhin's statements and actions "constitute incitement to armed conflict on Russian territory and betrayal of the fighters battling pro-fascist Ukrainian forces."

A Wagner gunman in Rostov on June 24. Photo: Reuters — A Wagner gunman in Rostov on June 24. Photo: *Reuters*

On the morning of June 24, Prigozhin declared that Wagner had taken control of all military facilities in Rostov, demanding that the Chief of the General Staff of the Russian Armed Forces, Valery Gerasimov, and Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu meet with him. "If they don't come, we will stay here, we will blockade the city of Rostov and advance towards Moscow," he said in a video.

Wagner subsequently announced they had taken control of additional military facilities in the city of Voronezh, 500 km from Moscow. Russia declared an anti-terrorism operation in the region.

Prior to President Putin's speech, the Russian Ministry of Defense also issued a message calling on the Wagner militants to stop their rebellion, saying they were being drawn into criminal activities by their leader Prigozhin. Russia announced the imposition of an anti-terrorism mechanism in the capital Moscow as a precautionary measure.