Putin: military virtually halted civil war

Vladimir Putin has addressed servicemen of the Russian military in front of the Kremlin’s Palace of the Facets.

Servicemen had started to gather in the Cathedral Square of the Moscow Kremlin a few hours before Putin arrived. Among them was Sergey Shoigu, Russia’s Defence Minister.

“You virtually halted a civil war by acting firmly and seamlessly,” Putin stated as he addressed the servicemen.

He also noted that the Defence Ministry managed to suppress the mutiny without involving troops used in Ukraine. Putin stated that the pilots that lost their lives on 24 June did their duty with honour. He also offered a moment of silence in their name.

Putin then thanked the entire Russian military, law enforcement, and security agencies for valour, gallantry, and loyalty to the people of Russia. The Russian president noted that it was their determination and courage, as well as those of the Russian society, that played the decisive role in suppressing the rebellion.

Guns were fired in celebration as Putin finished his address.