We are patriots, not traitors, said President Wagner Yevgeny Prigozhin, the leader of Wagner's mercenary organisation, refuted Putin...

 

We are patriots, not traitors, said President Wagner

Yevgeny Prigozhin, the leader of Wagner's mercenary organisation, refuted Putin's charge of treason against him and his men.

Putin's accusation of treason against the rebels and threat to repress them were followed immediately by Mr. Prigozhin's answer.

Mr. Prigozhin claimed in an audio message shared on the Telegram network that "the president is very wrong on the issue of treason."

"We are nationalists. We had argued frequently, and we still do.

And nobody will force us to enter a guilty plea, as Putin and the FSB have demanded.

"Because we don't want corruption, lies, and power to rule our nation any longer."

Without naming her, Putin charged Wagner with treason.