The following is a translation of President Putin’s televised address to the people of Russia on Monday evening, June 26 (with translation provided by Sputnik International news service):
“Dear Friends! Once again, I appeal to all citizens of Russia. Thank you for your endurance, unity and patriotism.
“This civic solidarity has shown that any blackmail, any attempts to create internal turmoil, are doomed to fail. Let me repeat, there was the highest consolidation of society, the executive and the legislature at all levels. A firm, unambiguous position of support for the constitutional order was adopted by public organizations, religious organizations, major political parties and, in fact by all of Russian society. All united behind the main thing—the responsibility for the fate of the Fatherland.
“I emphasize that from the very beginning of the events, all the necessary decisions were taken immediately to neutralize the threat that had arisen, to protect the constitutional order and the lives and security of our citizens. The armed uprising would have been suppressed in any case. The organizers of the mutiny, despite their loss of adequacy, could not fail to understand this. They understood everything, including the fact that they took criminal steps to split and weaken the country, which is now confronting a huge external threat and unprecedented pressure from outside. When our comrades are dying at the front with the words “Not one step back!”
“But the organizers of the rebellion, having betrayed their country, their people, betrayed also those whom they involved in the crime. They lied to them, pushed them to death, under fire, to shoot their own people. This was the outcome—fratricide—that Russia’s enemies wanted; the neo-Nazis in Kiev, and their Western patrons, and all kinds of national traitors. They wanted Russian soldiers to kill each other, they wanted soldiers and civilians to die, they wanted Russia to lose in the end and they wanted our society to split, to choke in bloody internecine strife. They rubbed their hands together dreaming of taking revenge for their failures at the front and during the so-called counteroffensive but miscalculated.
“I thank all our servicemen, law enforcement officers and special services who stood in the way of the insurgents and remained faithful to their duty, oath and their people. The courage and self-sacrifice of the fallen heroic airmen saved Russia from tragic devastation.
“At the same time, we knew and know that the vast majority of the fighters and commanders of the Wagner group are also patriots of Russia, devoted to their people and the state. They proved this with their courage on the battlefield, liberating Donbass and Novorossiya. They attempted to be used in the dark against their brothers in arms, with whom they fought together for the country and its future. Therefore, from the very beginning of events, steps were taken on my direct instruction to avoid great bloodshed. It also took time, among other things, to give those who had made a mistake the opportunity to come to their senses, to understand that their actions were firmly rejected by society and that the adventure in which they had been drawn leads to tragic, destructive consequences for Russia and for our state. I thank those soldiers and commanders of the Wagner Group who made the only right decision—they did not go to the fratricidal bloodshed, they stopped at the last line.
“Today you have an opportunity to continue serving Russia by signing a contract with the Ministry of Defense or other law enforcement agencies, or to return to your family and friends. Those who want can also go to Belarus. My promise will be kept. I repeat, the choice is up to each of you, but I am sure it will be the choice of those warriors of Russia who have understood their tragic mistake.
“I am grateful to President of Belarus Aleksandr Grigorievich Lukashenko for his efforts and contribution to the peaceful resolution of the situation.
“But once again, it was the patriotic spirit of the citizens and the consolidation of Russian society as a whole that played a decisive role in these days. This support made it possible for us together to overcome the most difficult trials for our homeland. Thank you for this!” (http://kremlin.ru/events/president/news/71528 )
