Wagner rebellion: President Putin speaks

By Peter Ochieng

Russia President Vladimir Putin has described efforts by the Wagner military group to unseat the country’s top military leaders as a “deadly threat” to the country.

He called for unity, at this particular point in time.

“Any internal turmoil is a deadly threat to our statehood and to us as a nation. This is a blow to Russia and to our people,” Putin said in an address broadcast on television as quoted by AFP.

“This battle, when the fate of our people is being decided, requires the unification of all forces and unity.”

“There will be decisive measures taken on stabilising the situation in Rostov-on-Don. It remains difficult and the work of civil and military authorities in fact is being blocked," he added.

Putin spoke hours after the head of Wagner mercenary group vowed to "go all the way" to topple Russia's military leadership, hours after Kremlin accused him of "armed rebellion."

Yevgeny Prigozhin said his Wagner fighters had crossed the border from Ukraine into Russia, entering the city of Rostov-on-Don.

He said his men would destroy anyone who stood in their way.

The Wagner Group is a private army of mercenaries, that has been fighting alongside the regular Russian army in Ukraine, since early 2022.