Thibaud Hue, edited by Laura Laplaud / Photo credit: Mikhail Metzel / SPUTNIK / AFP
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8:30 a.m., June 27, 2023
Three days after the armed rebellion of the paramilitary group Wagner, the Russian president spoke Monday evening during a televised address. Vladimir Putin assured to have avoided “a bloodbath” and called on the rebels of the Wagner group to join the Russian army or to go to Belarus.
The Kremlin was talking about important announcements by President Putin. Finally, it was a clarification. Vladimir Putin spoke on Monday evening in a highly anticipated televised address. The Russian president congratulated himself for having “avoided bloodshed” which he believed Ukraine and the West wanted during the aborted rebellion of Wagner’s fighters.
“My promise will be kept”
In a very short speech, five minutes, Vladimir Putin presented himself as a guarantor of internal peace in Russia. He first wanted to thank the fighters of the Wagner group, those who remained faithful to Russia, patriots, he said. He then addressed the rebels to offer them a second chance. “I thank those soldiers and commanders of the Wagner Group who made the only correct decision, not to go to bloodshed. Today you have the opportunity to continue your work in Russia by contracting with the Ministry of Defense to return to your families and loved ones. Anyone who wishes can also go to Belarus. My promise will be kept,” he said.
Vladimir Putin also accused Ukraine and the West of wanting “such a fratricidal outcome”. The name of Evguéni Prigojine was not pronounced. We still do not know what will be the fate of the leader of Wagner who must go into exile in Belarus.