Putin Praises Slain Pilots In First Post Mutiny Speech

For the first time after the surprise mutiny by the Wagner group on Saturday, Russia President, Vladimir Putin, on Monday made a public appearance and speech, praising his compatriots for displaying patriotism and the aircraft pilots who confronted the mutinists for laying down their lives in defense of fatherland.

It was also the first time he admitted that indeed, a number of pilots died when the aircrafts were shot down, without giving any exact number.

 Putin, who was full of praises for fellow Russians for remaining united, added that it is a proof that Russia will never succumb to what he referred to as "any blackmail, any attempt to create internal turmoil" in the country and enemy attempt to see Russia "choke in bloody civil strife".

"The courage and self-sacrifice of the fallen heroes-pilots saved Russia from tragic devastating consequences," he said.

Though it could not independently verify, Reuters says that among others, the Wagner group downed three Mi-8 MTPR electronic warfare helicopters and one Il-18 aircraft, alongside their crews. 

According to Putin however, Wagner "engaged in a criminal act, in a split and a weakening of the country, which is now facing a colossal external threat and unprecedented pressure from within."

"They lied to them, they pushed them to death: under fire, to shoot their own," Putin said. "It is this very phenomenon - fratricide - that is sought by Russia's enemies," insisting that,

"steps were taken on my direct instruction to avoid serious bloodshed."

Meanwhile, Wagner head, Yevgeny Prigozhin, responded in an 11-minute audio message which was posted on his press service's Telegram channel, monitored by Reuters.

According to the report, he denied attempting to topple the Putin administration, insisting however that his forces shot down the aircrafts because they attacked his troops as they drove towards Moscow.

"We went as a demonstration of protest, not to overthrow the government of the country," he said.