Full Speech: Russia’s Putin speaks out after Wagner tension

PUTIN (today, RT translation): “We have shown supreme consolidation of society and executive authorities at all levels… practically all Russian society – everyone – was united by their sense of responsibility for the fate of the country. Since the very beginning of these events all the necessary decisions to neutralize the threat were taken and to protect the constitutional order, lives, and safety of our citizens.

The armed mutiny would have been suppressed in any case. Despite their loss of reason, the participants could not not understand that, including the fact that they engaged in criminal actions, splitting apart the country which is now facing colossal external threats and pressures, when our comrades are dying at the front lines, holding on whatever the cost.

But the mutineers betrayed their country, their people and they betrayed those who they dragged into this affair, who they pushed to shoot at their comrades. It is this fratricide that the new Nazis in Kiev and their western masters wanted to see and the various traitors as well. They wanted to see Russian soldiers kill each other. They wanted to see Russian servicemen and civilians die and ultimately to see Russia defeated and the Russian society split apart, in a bloodbath.

They didn’t want to take responsibility for failures in the war and with the so called counter offensive but they miscounted the law enforcement authorities and the military, who were loyal to their oath and to their people and to their duty.

The courage and sacrifice of the pilots who died prevented a tragedy on a national scale. At the same time we know that most soldiers and commanders of the Wagner group are also patriots of Russia loyal to their state. They proved this with their courage in combat, liberating the Donbass and Novarosia. They were used blindly. They were thrown against their comrades with whom they fought shoulder to shoulder for our future.

Since the very beginning, I gave orders to prevent bloodshed. And we needed time for that, including to give an opportunity to those who realized that made a mistake, to rethink their decision, to realize that they’re putting society at risk and that this is leading to destructive consequences as a result of this reckless affair.

I thank the soldiers and commanders of the Wagner group, who made the only correct decision and refused to engage in a fratricide and who stopped at the last line. Today you have an opportunity to continue your service to Russia by signing a contract with the Minister of Defense or other authorities, or to go back to your families.

Those who wish may go to Belarus. The promise I gave will be fulfilled. I repeat, the choice is up to you.

But I’m sure that this will be a choice of Russia’s warriors who realize their tragic mistakes. I’m grateful to President of Belarus Alexander Lukashenko for his efforts and his contribution to the peaceful resolution of the situation.

But I repeat, it is the patriotic spirit of people, the consolidation of the entire Russian society, that played the deciding role in these days. This support allowed us to overcome this hard challenge. Thank you for this. I’m grateful.”