In a televised address on Saturday, Russian President Vladimir Putin condemned the Wagner Group's armed rebellion, led by Yevgeny Prigozhin, as a treacherous act jeopardizing Russia's stability. Putin vowed decisive action against this "deadly threat to our statehood," labeling the mutiny a "criminal adventure" and "grave crime." He urged those involved to cease their "criminal acts" and warned of "inevitable punishment" for those who orchestrated the insurrection.

Prigozhin, who claims to have seized control of military installations in Rostov-on-Don, refuted Putin's treason accusations, declaring himself and his fighters as patriots. He justified his actions as a "march of justice" against the corruption and deceit within Russia's military leadership, specifically targeting Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu.

The clash between Putin and Prigozhin arises amidst Russia's ongoing conflict with Ukraine, which Putin describes as a critical battle for the nation's future. He accused the West of waging a comprehensive war against Russia and emphasized the need for national unity and responsibility in this challenging time.

The tensions escalated after Prigozhin accused Shoigu of orchestrating an attack on Wagner Group forces in Ukraine, a claim denied by Russian authorities. Prigozhin's subsequent threats of retaliation and his public challenge to the military leadership's justifications for the Ukrainian invasion have further exacerbated the situation.

Prigozhin's accusations extended to questioning the very foundations of the war in Ukraine, alleging that it was driven by Shoigu's personal ambitions rather than genuine national security concerns. This direct challenge to the official narrative represents a significant escalation in the conflict between the Wagner Group and the Russian military establishment.