Putin talks about civil war and coup in address
Russian President Vladimir Putin has said that Russia is "fighting for survival" and that there are attempts to "organise a rebellion" in the country.
Source: Putin, during his video address
Quote from Putin: "I am addressing those who have been drawn by deception or threats into a criminal adventure, onto the path of the grave crime of armed rebellion...
This is a stab in the back of the country and the people.
This is exactly the blow dealt to Russia in 1917 when the country was fighting the First World War. But the victory was stolen from it. Intrigues, squabbles, and politicking behind the backs of the army and the people resulted in the most significant upheaval, the destruction of the army and the collapse of the state, and the loss of vast territories. It resulted in the tragedy of the civil war...
We will not allow this to happen again. We will protect our people and our statehood from any threats. In particular, from domestic betrayal.
And treason is exactly what we have faced. Excessive ambitions and personal interests have led to treason...
I repeat that any internal turmoil is a deadly threat to our statehood and our nation. This is a blow to Russia, to our people."
Details: Putin stated that Russia's government will "act tough", and the Armed Forces and other governmental authorities have received the necessary orders. He acknowledged that the situation in Rostov "remains complicated; the work of civilian and military authorities has been effectively blocked". He asked those "who turned their weapons against their brothers-in-arms" to "stop participating in criminal actions".
Background:
- Wagner Group leader Yevgeny Prigozhin claimed that the regular Russian army had launched a missile strike on the Wagnerites’ rear camps. Prigozhin claimed that Russian Defence Minister Sergei Shoigu arrived in Rostov, where he personally conducted an operation to wipe out the mercenaries.
- Prigozhin's 25,000 mercenaries are allegedly going to "restore justice". At the same time, he asked not to call it a "military coup". Prigozhin added that Shoigu had fled Rostov like a coward and "this creature will be stopped". The Russian Defence Ministry called the information a provocation.
- Photos and videos of armoured vehicles on the streets of the Russian city of Rostov-on-Don are being posted on Russian social media following Prigozhin’s statement about a de facto declaration of war against the Russian army. Checkpoints have been set up at entrances to Moscow.
- Prigozhin claimed that his forces had taken control of military facilities in Rostov-on-Don, including the air base, and were heading "to Moscow" and that his soldiers had shot down three Russian helicopters.
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