Russian President Vladimir Putin credited the patriotic spirit of the nation for avoiding bloodshed over the weekend and once again condemned the “treasonous” mutiny by the private military company Wagner, in a speech on Monday evening.
Putin thanked President Alexander Lukashenko of Belarus for his “contribution to the peaceful resolution of the situation.” He also confirmed the deal struck on Saturday that Wagner members who wish to do so can leave for Belarus, can go home, or can re-enlist with the Russian military.
“The promise I made will be fulfilled,” Putin said. “The choice is yours, but I am sure it will be the choice of Russian soldiers who have realized their tragic mistake.”
The president thanked the people of Russia for their “endurance, unity and patriotism” and for showing “firm, unambiguous support for the constitutional order.” Attempts to foment internal unrest in Russia are “doomed to failure,” Putin added.
The mutiny would have been put…