Putin Makes First Statement Since Mutiny

Speech summary:

Putin opens by thanking everyone for their solidary and patriotism which show that any attempt at a coup is “doomed to fail”. Everyone from the authorities, religious organisations, public bodies, political leaders and all of Russian society “came together around a feeling of responsibility for the fate of our Fatherland”.

We made all the right decisions to deal with the situation and the armed mutiny “would have been suppressed no matter what”. Despite “losing their senses”, the people leading the mutiny had to know this too. They knew they committed crimes and sought to undermine the country. But in betraying their nation, they also betrayed their subordinates and tricked them into turning on their brothers-in-arms.

This is exactly what Ukraine, the West and traitors in our midst wanted to make up for their failed counteroffensive. Our special services and heroic pilots who lost their lives saved the country from a terrible, destructive fate.

We know that most Wagner soldiers and commanders are patriots. They were used. That is why from the outset I ordered that every step be taken to avoid bloodshed. Wagner operatives can join the Ministry of Defence, go home to their families or leave for Belarus. “I will keep my promise – the choice is yours”.

In conclusion, Putin thanks President Lukashenko for his help but emphasises that “society coming together is what solved this problem”.

Analysis:

Hard to know what to make of this other than having promised to punish the mutineers he has failed to do so. His overemphasis on “society coming together” when there is very little evidence of this happening looks like wishful thinking.

Russia is a country ruled by fear and authority. This statement was his chance to reassert his authority and, in my opinion, he failed to do that. Chaos ahead.