Russian President Vladimir Putin addressed the nation Saturday and vowed to defend the country and its people from an armed rebellion declared by mercenary chief Yevgeny Prigozhin. Putin said the mutiny amounted to “a deadly threat to our statehood” and vowed “tough actions” in response. “All those who prepared the rebellion will suffer inevitable punishment,” Putin said. He said an armed rebellion at a time like this is a blow to Russia and to its people.

This armed conflict between the Russian Army and the Wagner Group may come to fruition due to allegations that the Russian Army opened fire on fellow Russians acting as mercenaries in the Wagner Group.

The Russian FSB, successor to the KGB, has accused the Wagner leader, Prigozhin of staging a military coup but Prigozhin has declared that it is not a coup but instead is justice for those who were killed in Wagner Group by the Russian Armed Forces.

Now Putin has weighed in and stated: “All those who prepared the rebellion will suffer inevitable punishment. The armed forces and other government agencies have received the necessary orders,"

While more war is not good, hopefully this gives Ukrainians an opening to reclaim more of their nation.