Putin: The solidarity of the Russian people has foiled threats and provocations

Moscow, (ST) – Russian President Vladimir Putin affirmed that the Russian people have proven, with their solidarity, that they can face any threats or provocations. He pointed out that whoever carried out criminal acts and tried to divide the country at a time when it faces external threats is a traitor to his homeland.

RT channel quoted Putin as saying in a speech: “Since the beginning of the events, I took all the necessary decisions to neutralize the threats and defend the constitution and the lives of citizens against the armed rebellion.”

Putin added that they wanted from this armed rebellion that Russian soldiers kill each other with the aim of dividing society in preparation for civil war. He prasied the security services that protected Russia from collapse, thanking the military and leaders in Wagner who took the only right decision, which is to prevent a civil war and bloodshed.

Putin continued: Since the beginning of the events, we have sought to avoid bloodshed, and we needed time to give an opportunity to those who committed mistakes against their country in order to realize their mistake and understand that their work is decisively rejected by the people. He said that the military and leaders in Wagner can continue to serve Russia by signing contracts with the Ministry of Defense and other parties, or return to their families, or go to Belarus for those who wish.

Putin thanked Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko for the great role he played in resolving the crisis and ending the rebellion.

Raghda Sawas