| 24 June 2023
In a televised address from Moscow on Saturday, President Vladimir Putin reassured the nation that he would not allow Russia to descend into civil war following the seizure of a crucial military headquarters in Ukraine by Yevgeny Prighozin, the leader of the infamous Wagner mercenary force. Speaking to citizens, armed forces personnel, law enforcement, and security services, Putin acknowledged the heroic efforts of those currently on the frontlines, repelling enemy attacks.
The President revealed that he had held discussions with commanders across all directions the previous night and extended his appeal to those who were deceitfully drawn into the criminal adventure, urging them to disengage from the armed mutiny. Putin characterized the situation as a fierce battle for Russia's future, citing aggression from neo-Nazis and their handlers as the primary threat. He claimed that the entire military, economic, and information machinery of the West was directed against Russia.
"Our fight is for the lives and security of our people, for our sovereignty and independence, for the right to remain Russia, a state with a thousand-year history," Putin declared passionately.
Emphasizing the need for unity, consolidation, and responsibility in this critical juncture, the Russian President warned against actions that could weaken the nation, stating that any divisions would be exploited by enemies seeking to disrupt them from within. He denounced any attempts to undermine unity as a betrayal of the people and the comrades fighting on the front lines, equating it to a stab in the back of the country.
Recalling the tragic events of 1917 during World War I, Putin cautioned against a repeat of history, where intrigues, bickering, and politicking resulted in the destruction of the army and the state, along with a devastating civil war that saw Russians killing each other. He blamed various opportunistic politicians and foreign powers for dividing and tearing the country apart. Promising that such a scenario would not be allowed to unfold again, Putin vowed to protect the people and the state from all threats, including internal betrayals.
The Russian leader made it clear that those involved in organizing the mutiny, engaging in armed blackmail and terrorist actions, would face inevitable punishment. The armed forces and other departments had received necessary orders, and additional anti-terrorist security measures were being implemented in Moscow, the Moscow region, and other regions. Putin highlighted the urgent need to stabilize the situation in Rostov-on-Don, where civilian and military control departments were facing significant obstacles.
As the President and commander-in-chief, Putin expressed his determination to defend the country, protect the constitution, and ensure the lives, safety, and liberty of the citizens. He asserted that those who initiated and prepared the military mutiny, turning weapons against their fellow soldiers, had betrayed Russia and would be held accountable.
In a final plea, Putin called upon those being coerced into criminal actions to make the right choice and refrain from participating in the mutiny. He expressed his belief in the collective defense of what is sacred to the nation, assuring the people that together with the motherland, they would overcome all challenges and emerge stronger.
The situation in Russia remains tense as the nation confronts internal divisions and external threats. The actions and response of President Putin will be closely watched in the coming days as the country strives to navigate this precarious situation and prevent further escalation.
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