Russian President Vladimir Putin delivered a speech, described by Russian media as pivotal, addressing the rebellion led by Wagner last weekend. Putin confirmed that the coup would have been suppressed regardless, asserting that those who organized it betrayed the Russian people and will face justice, as they nearly divided society. He expressed gratitude to the leaders and fighters of the Wagner group for refusing to shed blood, clarifying that he would honor his promise to allow these fighters to move to Belarus if they wished, sign contracts with the Ministry of Defense, or return to their families. He stated that most Wagner fighters are patriots who were misled.
However, it was notable that Putin did not mention Wagner leader Yevgeny Prigozhin, who led the rebellion. Instead, he accused the West of wanting a civil war to break out in Russia, praising the Russian community for demonstrating unity, emphasizing that this was proven by their stance and defense of the constitution and order. He continued, stating that fratricide was what the "Nazis in Kyiv" wanted to ensure Russia failed in its path, and he praised the security and police services that stood by the community, noting that the pilots who fell maintained Russia's interests.
Following his speech, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov announced that President Putin met on Monday evening with the head of the main internal security agency, Minister of Defense Sergey Shoigu, and several ministers. The meeting included Prosecutor General Igor Krasnov, Kremlin Administration Chief Anton Vaino, Interior Minister Vladimir Kolokoltsev, Federal Security Service Director Alexander Bortnikov, National Guard Chief Viktor Zolotov, Federal Protection Service Director Dmitry Koutchnev, and Federal Investigative Committee Head Alexander Bastrykin.
Additionally, the Kremlin announced a phone call between President Putin and UAE President Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed. The Kremlin stated that the UAE President was eager to hear an assessment of the situation in Russia regarding the Wagner group's rebellion on June 24. The Emirates News Agency reported that during the call, there was a confirmation of the importance of maintaining the stability of the Russian Federation and the safety and security of its friendly people. The Russian president expressed pride in the level of friendship and cooperation between the UAE and Russia in various fields and congratulated Sheikh Bin Zayed on the occasion of Eid al-Adha, wishing him continued health and happiness and wishing further prosperity for the UAE.
