Putin Vows to Punish Those Responsible for Wagner Group Insurgency
Russian President Vladimir Putin has vowed to punish those responsible for orchestrating the Wagner Group’s insurgency against the federation.
In a televised speech on Sunday, Putin said that the West and Ukraine were trying to incite conflict among Russians by supporting the Wagner Group’s march on Moscow. He warned that any attempts to blackmail or destabilize Russia would fail.
“This demonstration of civic solidarity has proven that all forms of blackmail and efforts to incite internal unrest are destined to fail,” Putin said. “I reiterate that the highest levels of unity within society, as well as the executive and legislative branches, were evident.”
Putin also highlighted the unwavering support for constitutional order demonstrated by public organizations, religious denominations, and leading political parties.
“The people of Russia have shown that they will not allow anyone to divide them,” Putin said. “We will not allow our country to be destabilized.”
Putin’s speech came after the Wagner Group, a private military contractor with close ties to the Russian government, marched on Moscow last Saturday. The group’s leader, Yevgeny Prigozhin, had demanded the dismissal of Russian Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu before embarking on the march.
Prigozhin is a close ally of Putin and has been accused of funding the Wagner Group. He is also a target of US sanctions.
It is unclear what will happen to Prigozhin and the other members of the Wagner Group who participated in the insurgency. However, Putin’s speech made it clear that they will face serious consequences.
“Those who are responsible for this crime will be brought to justice,” Putin said. “We will not forget or forgive those who tried to undermine the unity of our country.”
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The Wagner Group’s insurgency is the latest sign of the growing unrest in Russia. The country is facing a number of challenges, including the ongoing war in Ukraine, the economic sanctions imposed by the West, and the COVID-19 pandemic.
It remains to be seen how Putin will respond to these challenges. However, his speech on Sunday made it clear that he is determined to maintain control of the country.
