Sharjah 24 – AFP: President Vladimir Putin warned Saturday that treason against his rule threatens Russia with civil war, as Moscow's military launched an operation to tackle a revolt by the Wagner mercenary group.
Responding to the challenge in a televised address, Putin accused Prighozin -- whose private army provided shock troops for Moscow's offensive in Ukraine -- of a "stab in the back" that posed a threat to Russia's very survival.
"Any internal turmoil is a deadly threat to our statehood and to us as a nation. This is a blow to Russia and to our people," Putin said.
"This battle, when the fate of our people is being decided, requires the unification of all forces."
"Extravagant ambitions and personal interests led to treason," Putin said, referring to Prigozhin, who built his powerbase as a catering contractor to the Kremlin and now runs a private military force.
"All those who consciously stood on the path of betrayal, who prepared an armed rebellion, stood on the path of blackmail and terrorist methods, will suffer inevitable punishment, before the law and before our people," Putin vowed.
The Russian president's speech came shortly after Prigozhin posted a message of his own, apparently filmed in Rostov-on-Don, accusing the Russian military leadership of betrayal and failure in the ongoing battle against Ukrainian forces.
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