After the Wagner revolt, Russian President Putin thanked the security forces for their efforts and offered the Wagner mercenaries a choice: join the army, return to their families, or live in Belarus…
Putin thanks security forces and the public
In a televised speech, Putin expressed his gratitude to the Russian security forces for their support in quashing the Wagner private army’s revolt. He thanked all the soldiers and intelligence staff who disrupted the uprising. Putin also thanked the Russian public for their criticism of the uprising. Putin recalled the effort it took to avoid a bloodbath. But he expressed optimism for the unity of the Russian people.
Options for the Wagner mercenaries
For the first time since the end of the revolt, Putin addressed the Wagner mercenaries publicly. He offered them three options: either live in Belarus, return to their families, or join the Russian army. Experts believe Putin was trying to reconnect with the mercenaries to show Russian society’s unity in rejecting the revolt.
Putin confirms casualties
Putin warned against blackmailing the country. He reiterated that every attempt to destabilize Russia would meet resistance. Putin lauded the bravery and sacrifice of Russian pilots killed while fighting the coup. Putin also confirmed the deaths of Russian pilots for the first time.
Putin expressed gratitude to Belarus’ President Alexander Lukashenko to have assisted in resolving the conflict. Prigoschin, the Wagner group’s leader, called off the attack after his troops moved closer proximity to Moscow, citing the Russian Defense Minister’s failure to protect the Wagner fighters’ base from air raids.
Putin tried to dispel the notion that the attack is threatening the country’s stability. Putin expressed gratitude and pride in the courage and selflessness of the Russian military and intelligence services who stopped the attack.