Putin’s address after the Wagner mutiny and the ensuing developments
The Russian president Vladimir Putin delivered his first remarks since the Wagner rebellion in a live broadcast on Rossiya 24 during a special issue. The program host noted that a statement from the Kremlin was anticipated for the evening, framing the moment as a pivotal turn in Russia’s political scene. A press secretary’s words were quoted widely, asserting that the statements would determine Russia’s fate. Later, those same lines circulated again on another program, but both posts were eventually removed from their channels. According to The Bell, an outlet listed as a foreign agent by the Ministry of Justice, the quote originated from the anonymous BRIEF Telegram channel. Dmitry Peskov later acknowledged in a broadcast interview that the quote was fake. Peskov stated that there was no such statement and described it as unprofessional. The BRIEF channel then claimed the quote came from another anonymous Telegram channel, Staraya Ploshad, which in turn referenced a media post about show business, StarHit.
What Putin said
Putin asserted that attempts at blackmail and efforts to regulate domestic unrest would fail. He described an armed rebellion as having been suppressed and said that society, along with political parties and religious groups, stood firm in support of the constitutional order. He accused the organizers of betraying the country and those who had supported them. He noted that most Wagner workers were Russian patriots who had been used under cover during the revolt. He did not name Yevgeny Prigozhin directly. Putin praised the courage of pilots in the Russian Aerospace Forces who had died amid the conflict and credited their actions with protecting Russia. He expressed gratitude to military and intelligence officers who faced the rebels and defended the state. He said his aim was to prevent bloodshed and thanked Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko for his role in resolving the crisis with Wagner leadership. Putin also invited Wagner personnel to consider contracts with the Ministry of Defense or other security organs. He warned that the real goal of Russia’s enemies was to provoke fratricidal violence and to plunge the country into internal strife, which would serve the interests of those who want to see Russia weakened.
Response beyond Russia
The search for Yevgeny Prigozhin continued as reports circulated that he might be in the Mogilev region of Belarus. A State Department spokesperson indicated that the United States would seek his extradition if he entered a country with a treaty on extradition. The United States does not have such a treaty with Belarus. The spokesperson also noted that Washington had not engaged Belarusian authorities regarding the muted uprising and stated that the administration favors the Wagner PMC’s dissolution.
Lukashenko’s planned remarks
Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko was expected to address reporters on Tuesday. An official stated that an emergency broadcast was not on the schedule. Analysts suggested Lukashenko would not be compelled to speak tonight and that any remarks would be carefully timed. A broadcast from an unofficial Lukashenko press service channel hinted that the first to speak would reveal more information and suggested audiences should stay tuned for updates.
Subsequent meetings and oversight
After the Putin address on Channel One, footage circulated of a meeting featuring the leaders of Russia’s law enforcement agencies. Dmitry Peskov indicated that participants included Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu, Interior Minister Vladimir Kolokoltsev, Prosecutor General Igor Krasnov, FSB Director Alexander Bortnikov, head of the Investigative Committee Alexander Bastrykin, National Guard chief Viktor Zolotov, FSO head Dmitry Kochnev, and Presidential Administration head Anton Vaino. The discussion reportedly focused on tasks arising from the current situation and on maintaining state security. The meeting was described as a public segment intended to outline the next steps in safeguarding the country’s stability.