Russia Coup Latest – Putin delivers emergency address as Wagner Group crisis deepens amid fears of 'civil war' | The Sun
VLADIMIR PUTIN gave an emergency address as he said Wagner's "armed mutiny" is a "stab in the back" to Russia, calling the group's rebellion treason.
It comes as Wagner boss Yevgeny Prigozhin accused Russian military leaders of targeting his troops and killing his soldiers.
In a video, he said how the Kremlin's reasons for invading Ukraine were based on "evil" and lies from Russia's military leadership which must be stopped.
As Prigozhin claims that his troops are entering Russia territory, Putin told his country how he'll "do everything possible to defend" it and called on Wagner "to stop your criminal actions."
Meanwhile, reporters explained this as "a very significant moment" for Ukraine who's expected to "intensify its counteroffensive."
Read our Russia coup live blog below for the latest updates and gossip…
- By Catherine Micallef
Russian authorities step up security in Moscow
Security measures around Moscow has been stepped up.
The governor of Lipetsk, a region south of Moscow, told Agence France-Presse: "A decision has been taken to reinforce security measures in the region. I ask everyone to remain calm."
- By Catherine Micallef
WATCH: Prigozhin’s address from HQ in Rostov
- By Catherine Micallef
'Difficult' situation unfolding in Rostov-on-Don
Vladimir Putin admitted that Russia's work is "being bloged" by the rebellion against his regime as he admitted that a "difficult" situation is unfolding in the southern city of Rostov-on-Don.
"There will be decisive measures taken on stabilising the situation in Rostov-on-Don," Putin told the emergency address.
He added: "It remains difficult and the work of civil and military authorities in fact is being blocked.”
- By Catherine Micallef
UK's MoD gives latest update on the situation
The British Ministry of Defence has given its latest Intelligence update on the situation in Russia, claiming that the feud between Wagner and the Russian defence ministry has "escalated."
It reported how Wagner "has almost certainly occupied" Russian security sites in Rostov-on-Don including the HQ which runs Moscow's military operations in Ukraine.
It predicts that troops are aiming to get to Moscow.
- By Catherine Micallef
Russia if facing 'the toughest battle for its future'
Putin said that Russia was fighting "the toughest battle for its future" as he called Wagner's "armed mutiny" a "stab in the back."
The Russian President added how troops "have been given the necessary orders" and that "decisive action" will be taken to stabilise the situation.
He added: "I will do everything possible to defend my country … And those who have organised an armed rebellion will be held accountable. Those who have been drawn into this, I call on you to stop your criminal actions.
"Personal interests have led to the betrayal of our country and the cause that our armed forces are fighting.”
- By Catherine Micallef
Putin addresses Russia
Vladimir Putin held a televised emergency address regarding the feud against the Wagner Group.
He said: "What we’re facing now is treason. Personal interests have led to the betrayal of our country and the cause that our armed forces are fighting.
"All those who went on the path of treason will be punished and will be held accountable. The armed forces have been given the necessary orders.
"And those who have organised an armed rebellion will be held accountable. Those who have been drawn into this, I call on you to stop your criminal actions."
- By Catherine Micallef
Russia believes Wagner is calling for 'civil conflict'
Russian authorities have said that Yevgeny Prigozhin is looking into causing a 'civil conflict'.
FSB security released a statement which said: "Prigozhin’s statements and actions are in fact a call to start an armed civil conflict on the territory of the Russian Federation and a stab in the back to Russian servicemen fighting pro-fascist Ukrainian forces."
The FSB is urging Wagner troops to "take measures to detain him."
- By Catherine Micallef
Russia says Prigozin's allegations are 'untrue'
The Russian defence ministry denied the allegations made by Prigozhin, saying they're "untrue and an informational provocation."
Vladimir Putin was made aware of the situation and security measures in Moscow had heavily stepped up as Wagner claimed they entered the Russian city of Rostov.
- By Catherine Micallef
Wagner accuses Russia of targeting its troops
In a video, Wagner leader Yevgeny Prigozhin accused Russian military leaders of targeting its soldiers and killing more than documented.
No publication confirmed Wagner's numbers, however, Prigozhin said that the attack took place after he criticised Russia's top brass on the Telegram.
He said that Russia's reasons for attacking Ukraine were based on lies and "evil."
He warned how his troops will punish defence miniter Sergei Shoigu as he said: "This is not an armed rebellion, but a march of justice.”
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