Date: June 24, 12:40 PM (IST)
In a televised address to the nation, Russian President Vladimir Putin denounced the recent "armed mutiny" by the Wagner group and referred to it as a "stab in the back." The Wagner private military company, led by Yevgeny Prigozhin, has been at odds with Russian military leaders over accusations of deliberate bombings by the Kremlin. The Russian Ministry of Defense denied these claims and labeled Prigozhin's messages on Telegram as "informational provocation."
During his address, President Putin emphasized that the fight was for the life and security of the Russian people, calling for unity among all forces. However, tensions between the military leadership and the Wagner chief continue to escalate.
The ongoing conflict between Russia and Ukraine has witnessed significant developments as Ukraine's military reported shooting down 13 Russian cruise missiles aimed at a military airfield in the western region of Khmelnitskyi. In other areas of intense combat, Ukraine claimed its forces had made advancements in the south and successfully halted a Russian offensive toward the eastern cities of Lyman and Kupiansk.
While Russia's authorities denied the reports of Ukrainian progress, it is important to note that Russian forces still maintain control over a significant portion of territory in Ukraine's east and south. Ukrainian military leaders acknowledged that the most challenging battles are yet to come, as the anticipated counteroffensive has yet to achieve substantial gains.
Deputy Defense Minister of Ukraine, Hanna Maliar, stated, "We still have the main events ahead of us, and the main blow is still to come. Indeed, some of the reserves — these are staged things — will be activated later."
Meanwhile, the European Union (EU) has implemented its 11th sanctions package against Russia, indicating a further escalation of tensions in the region.
The situation remains highly volatile, and the international community closely monitors the developments between Russia, Ukraine, and the Wagner group.