Russian President Vladimir Putin addressed the nation in a video message following the failed armed rebellion by the Wagner Group. In his speech, Putin reaffirmed his condemnation of the rebellion’s organizers as “traitors” and pledged to bring them to justice. He accused them of playing into the hands of Ukraine’s government and its allies.

The revolt, initiated by mercenary chief Yevgeny Prigozhin, lasted for approximately 24 hours before fizzling out en route to Moscow. Despite his strong stance against the organizers, Putin referred to the regular Wagner troops as “patriots” and offered them options to join the army, relocate to Belarus, or return home.

To address the situation, Putin convened a meeting with top security, law enforcement, and military officials, including Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu. He expressed gratitude to his team for their efforts during the weekend. Putin also emphasized that he had given orders to prevent large-scale bloodshed throughout the rebellion.

Experts suggest that Putin’s address, which was expected to have significant implications for Russia’s future, fell short of groundbreaking developments. Former Kremlin speechwriter and political analyst Abbas Gallyamov opined that Putin’s dissatisfaction with his portrayal in the rebellion prompted the address as an attempt to rectify the situation.

Yevgeny Prigozhin, in his first public statement since the aborted rebellion, clarified that the aim of his mercenary group was not to overthrow the Russian leadership but to protest the ineffective conduct of the war in Ukraine.

Mikhail Shvydkoy, Russia’s special presidential representative for international cultural cooperation, assured reporters in New Delhi that Putin’s position and the stability of Russia remained intact after the rebellion. He emphasized the unity of the Russian people in the face of danger.

In response to the coup attempt, the Russian Parliament announced plans to draft a bill regulating the activities of private military companies.

US President Joe Biden explicitly denied any involvement by the United States or NATO in the short-lived insurrection, stating that it was an internal struggle within the Russian system.

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