Vladimir Putin has accused the Wagner mercenary group’s leader of treason and leading an armed rebellion.

Vladimir Putin has accused the Wagner mercenary group’s leader of treason and leading an armed rebellion.

One-time ally Yevgeny Prigozhin, who is leading a bid to oust Russia’s defence minister, is a “stab in the back” to the country’s troops and people, he claimed.

Prigozhin claimed he and his troops had crossed the Russian border from Ukraine and taken control of key sites including the airfield in Rostov-on-Don.

The city is home to the Russian military headquarters that oversees the Ukrainian conflict.

According to the Kremlin, mercenary forces have seized control of military facilities in Voronezh, around 310 miles (500km) south of Moscow.

Prigozhin has vowed to “destroy anyone who stands in our way”.

“This is not an armed rebellion, but a march of justice,” he said.

But responding, Putin said: “It’s the equivalent to armed mutiny.

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“Russia will defend itself and repel this move.

“We are fighting the life and security of our citizens.

“It’s an attempt to subvert us from inside.

“This is a stab in the back to our troops and the people of Russia.” #putin #wagner #kremlin #moscow