Mutiny would have been suppressed in any case, Russian President Vladimir Putin on Monday in an address to Russian citizens.
"I emphasize that from the very beginning of the events, all necessary decisions were immediately taken to neutralize the threat that arose, to protect the constitutional order, the life and security of our citizens. An armed rebellion would have been suppressed in any case," Putin said.
The president underscored that the organizers of mutiny in Russia betrayed country and those who followed them.
Apart from that, the Russian president noted that majority of fighters of private military company Wagner are patriots of Russia, and they were simply used, President Vladimir Putin said on Monday.
“We knew and we know that the vast majority of the fighters and commanders of the Wagner group are also Russian patriots, devoted to their people and state. They proved this with their courage on the battlefield, liberating the Donbas and Novorossiya, they tried to use them without their knowledge against their brothers in arms, with whom they fought together for the sake of the country and its future,” Putin said in his address to Russian citizens.
Putin thanked the citizenes for their endurance, solidarity and patriotism.
"Dear friends! Today I once again appeal to all citizens of Russia. Thank you for your endurance, solidarity and patriotism," Putin said.
The president has also thanked all Russian servicemen, law enforcement officers and special services who prevented the mutiny.
"I thank all our servicemen, law enforcement officers, special services who stood in the way of the rebels. You have remained faithful to your duty, and the people," Putin said.
The courage and self-sacrifice of fallen hero pilots saved Russia from terrible consequences, Putin added.
Putin also thanked those Wagner soldiers who did not participate in the mutiny.
The president stressed that mutiny participants wanted soldiers to kill each other, which is the same outcome that was wanted in Kiev.