Address by Russian President Vladimir Putin (full video)

Vladimir Putin addressed the citizens of Russia, the personnel of the Armed Forces of the Russian Federation, and law enforcement officers.

According to the President, writes TASS, he addresses “those who were dragged into a criminal adventure by deceit or threats”:

“I appeal to the citizens of Russia, to the personnel of the armed forces, law enforcement agencies and special services. To the soldiers and commanders who are now fighting in their combat positions, repulsing enemy attacks, doing it heroically. I also appeal to those who were dragged into a criminal adventure by deceit or threats, pushed onto the path of a grave crime – an armed rebellion.”

Putin said that the actions of the Russian authorities “will be tough”, and inarmed Withsilts and other state bodies received the necessary orders. He acknowledged that the situation in Rostov “remains difficult, the work of civil and military authorities is actually blocked.” He asks those “who took up arms against their comrades-in-arms” to stop “participating in criminal acts.”