Putin: Wagner mutiny 'stab in the back' of Russia

Russia has declared an "anti-terrorist operation regime" in Moscow and the Moscow region after mutiny by the chief of the Wagner mercenary group which President Vladimir Putin called a "stab in the back" of the country.

In an emergency televised address on Saturday, Putin said the "armed mutiny" was treason, pledging that anyone who had taken up arms against the Russian military would be punished.

Putin said he would do everything to protect Russia and that "decisive action" would be taken to stabilize the situation. He appealed for "unity", pledging he would not allow a civil war in the country. 

His remarks came after Wagner chief Yevgeny Prigozhin said he was inside the army headquarters in the southern city of Rostov-on-Don and controlled military sites there.

In a statement, Russia’s national anti-terrorist committee said an anti-terror operation regime has been introduced “with the aim of preventing possible terrorist acts on the territory of the city of Moscow and the Moscow region”.

Russia also declared an anti-terrorist operation in the southern Voronezh region, where some reports said Wagner mercenaries were headed.

Moscow Mayor Sergei Sobyanin said the measure was "aimed at strengthening security."

He said there was "additional control" on roads and that the capital's mass events may be limited.

Moscow's transport department said there could be delays in bus routes from the capital to "southern directions."

Prigozhin launched the most audacious challenge to President Putin since the start of the offensive in Ukraine last year after accusing the Russian top brass of launching strikes against his men.

The FSB security service accused Prigozhin of attempting to launch a "civil conflict" and urged Wagner fighters to detain him.

Russia's defense ministry appealed to Wagner fighters to "show reason" and abandon Prigozhin, saying it would "guarantee the safety" of those who did so.

SS