President Vladimir Putin has addressed the Russian nation in reaction to the Wagner mercenary group rebellion, slamming “those who, by deception or threat, have been dragged into this criminal adventure”.

Here are some highlights from Putin’s speech:

• an “armed rebellion” and an “act of high treason” is taking place;
• the Russian state will “react harshly” to what is happening and “the rebels will receive their punishment”;
• the situation in Rostov-on-Don is “complicated”: the activity of the civil and military administration is “blocked”;
• the army and the law enforcement received all the necessary orders;
• the rebels were urged to cease their “criminal activities” and put an end to the “fatal mistake”.

“Today’s Russia is fighting hard for its future, fending off the aggression of the neo-Nazis and their masters. Virtually the entire military, economic and informational machine of the West is turned against us. We fight for the life and safety of our people, for our sovereignty and independence. For the right to be and remain Russia - a state with a history of a thousand years,” declared Putin.