Putin makes TV address as Russian dictator breaks cover for the first time since Wagner coup chaos

Dear friends!

Today, I address all citizens of Russia once again. I thank you for your resilience, unity, and patriotism. This civic solidarity has shown that any blackmail and attempts to incite internal turmoil are doomed to fail.

I want to emphasize that there has been an exceptional consolidation of society, executive and legislative authorities at all levels. Public organizations, religious communities, leading political parties, and practically the entire Russian society have taken a firm and unequivocal position in support of the constitutional order. We have all been united and rallied by a sense of responsibility for the fate of our Motherland.

From the very beginning of the events, all necessary decisions were promptly made to neutralize the emerging threat and protect the constitutional system, as well as the lives and safety of our citizens.

An armed rebellion would have been suppressed in any case. The organizers of the rebellion, despite their loss of rationality, could not fail to understand this. They were well aware, including the fact that they were engaging in criminal actions, causing division and weakening the country, which is currently facing an enormous external threat and unprecedented pressure from abroad. While our comrades perish on the frontlines, shouting “not one step back!”

However, the organizers of the rebellion, by betraying their country and their people, also betrayed those whom they drew into this crime. They lied to them, pushed them to their deaths, under fire, urging them to shoot at their own people.

Such an outcome – fratricide – was what the enemies of Russia wanted: the neo-Nazis in Kyiv, their Western sponsors, and various types of national traitors. They wanted Russian soldiers to kill each other, for military personnel and civilians to die, ultimately leading to Russia’s defeat and our society being torn apart, suffocated in a bloody internecine war.

They rubbed their hands together, dreaming of revenge for their failures on the frontlines and during the so-called counteroffensive, but they miscalculated.

I express my gratitude to all our servicemen, law enforcement officers, and special services personnel who stood in the way of the rebels, remaining loyal to their duty, oath, and their people. The courage and self-sacrifice of the fallen heroes and pilots have saved Russia from tragic and devastating consequences.

At the same time, we knew and know that the overwhelming majority of fighters and commanders of the “Wagner” group are also patriots of Russia, devoted to their people and the state. They have proven this with their valor on the battlefield, liberating the Donbass and Novorossiya. They were attempted to be used covertly against their brothers in arms, with whom they fought together for the sake of the country and its future.

Therefore, from the very beginning of the events, steps were taken, upon my direct instructions, to avoid a large-scale bloodshed. It required time, including to give those who made a mistake an opportunity to reconsider, to understand that their actions are decisively rejected by society, and to comprehend the tragic and destructive consequences that the adventure they were dragged into leads to for Russia and our state.

I express my gratitude to those soldiers and commanders of the “Wagner” group who made the only correct decision – they did not engage in fratricidal bloodshed, but stopped at the final line.

Today, you have the opportunity to continue serving Russia by signing a contract with the Ministry of Defense or other security forces, or to return to your families and loved ones. Those who wish can also go to Belarus. This promise made by me will be fulfilled. I repeat, the choice is yours, but I am confident that it will be the choice of warriors of Russia who have realized their tragic mistake.

I am grateful to President Alexander Grigorievich Lukashenko of Belarus for his efforts and contribution to the peaceful resolution of the situation.

But I repeat, it was precisely the patriotic mindset of the citizens and the consolidation of the entire Russian society that played a decisive role in these days. This support allowed us to overcome the most challenging trials for our Motherland.

Thank you for this. I am grateful.