The uprising, which Putin called ‘a stab in the back,’ is the biggest threat to his leadership in over two decades in power
President Vladimir Putin vowed Saturday to defend Russia against an armed rebellion by mercenary chief Yevgeny Prigozhin, who led his troops out of Ukraine and into a key city south of Moscow.
In his address, Putin called the uprising by Prigozhin, whom he did not mention by name, a “betrayal” and “treason.” He posted a video of himself at the Russian military headquarters in Rostov and claimed that his forces had taken control of the air field and other military facilities in the city. Other videos posted on social media showed military vehicles, including tanks, on the streets.
In a sign of how seriously the Kremlin took the threat, authorities declared a “counterterrorist regime” in Moscow and its surroundings, allowing restricted freedoms and enhancing security in the capital. Vyacheslav Volodin, speaker of Russia’s lower house of parliament, said lawmakers “stand for the consolidation of forces″ and support Putin, adding that “Wagner fighters must make the only right choice: to be with their people, on the side of the law, to protect the security and future of the Motherland, to follow the orders of the commander-in-chief.”
While the outcome of the confrontation was still unclear, it appeared likely to further hinder Moscow’s war effort as Kyiv’s forces probed Russian defences in the initial stages of a counteroffensive. The dispute, especially if Prigozhin were to prevail, also could have repercussions for Putin and his ability to maintain unity.
Prigozhin’s actions could have significant implications for the war. Orysia Lutsevych, the head of the Ukraine Forum at the Chatham House think tank in London, said infighting between the Defence Ministry and Wagner will create confusion and potential division among the Russian forces.
Canada Latest News, Canada Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Russia investigates Wagner chief for ‘armed mutiny’ after call for attack on militaryFSB opens criminal case after Yevgeny Prigozhin accuses Russia’s military of rocket attack and says ‘evil’ leadership must be stopped
Read more »
Who is the head of the mercenary group calling for an armed rebellion in Russia?The head of the private military contractor Wagner called Friday for an armed rebellion aimed at ousting Russia's defence minister. Here's a look at the 62-year-old Yevgeny Prigozhin and Wagner's role in the war.
Read more »
Russia’s security service opens criminal case against Wagner chief for ‘armed rebellion’President Putin has been briefed on the developments and \u0027necessary measures are being taken\u0027
Read more »
Infighting among Putin allies seems to reveal signs of ‘deep dysfunction’ - National | Globalnews.caSome see Vladimir Putin’s failure to squelch the infighting as a sign of potential shifts in Russia’s political scene that set the stage for more internal battles.
Read more »
Prince Harry wanted to interview Vladimir Putin about his childhood for a podcastInsiders say Harry pitched a podcast about childhood trauma which would also see the prince interview Donald Trump, and Mark Zuckerberg
Read more »
Russia-backed officials say explosion damages bridge linking Ukraine to CrimeaAn explosion damaged a bridge that is one of the few links between Crimea and Ukraine\u0027s mainland, Russia\u002Dbacked officials said
Read more »