Wagner group's effect in Ukraine and Senate releases new Jan. 6 report: Morning Rundown
NBCJul 03, 2023
Putin Addresses Rebellion, Zelenskyy Claims Counteroffensive Gains
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Image copyright: [via Wikimedia Commons]
The Facts
In an unscheduled TV address late on Monday, Russian Pres. Vladimir Putin — reportedly visibly angry — made his first comments on the short-lived rebellion launched by Wagner PMC since its conclusion on Saturday. "Any blackmail or way to bring confusion to Russia is doomed to failure," Putin said, adding: "I made steps to avoid large-scale bloodshed."
Without mentioning Wagner founder Yevgeny Prigozhin by name, Putin said the organizers of the rebellion "betrayed their country, their people," stating that this is what Russia's enemy wanted, "so that in the end Russia would lose, and our society would split, choke in bloody civil strife." Putin also paid tribute to the Russian pilots killed in the failed mutiny; military bloggers suggested that as many as 13 were dead.
The Spin
Pro-establishment narrative
Although this rebellion was short-lived, the events of the past weekend have no doubt undermined Vladimir Putin's political authority in Moscow. His grip on power in the country has never been weaker, and the severe consequences of this rebellion are only starting to play out.
Pro-Russia narrative
This is a unique and crucial time for Russia — the nation is not only entangled in an all-out war with the West, but faces a battle in terms of the economy and information too. Russia must not let itself become divided over this issue, and must stand up squarely to these challenges and threats.
