Putin accuses Wagner group of 'treason' in national address

Russian President Vladimir Putin accused Wagner mercenaries of "treason" on Saturday in a live address to the nation as Russia faced a rebellion by the Wagner mercenary group that has vowed to topple Moscow's military leadership.

In the address, Putin urged the consolidation of all forces and said the actions were "a betrayal" and "a knife in the back of our people," reports BBC.

Without specifically mentioning Wagner group boss Yevgeny Prigozhin, Putin says the high "ambitions" of some have led to "high treason".

Putin refrained from mentioning the rebellious Wagner fighters, but said some Russians were "tricked into a criminal adventure."

The Kremlin has published the full text of Putin's speech, according to BBC.

It is titled "An appeal to the citizens of Russia", in an apparent attempt to stress the importance of unity in the country – amid growing splits and public discontent over Putin's full-scale invasion of Ukraine.

In the speech, Putin warned that those dividing Russia will face "inevitable punishment," and claimed to be dealing with the crisis.

It may be mentioned that in the short TV address, Putin did not mention Prigozhin or Wagner even once.

/KN/