Moscow, 24 June 2023 (dpa/MIA) - Russia's Defence Ministry has called on the mercenaries of the private Wagner Army to end their armed insurgency.

They had been dragged into a "criminal escapade" and into taking part in an armed insurrection by Wagner chief Yevgeny Prigozhin, the ministry said in Moscow on Saturday.

"Many of your fellow soldiers from several units have already
realized their mistake and asked for assistance in their
return to places of permanent deployment," the statement said. The ministry said the fighters and commanders had been given this assistance.

"We urge you to exercise reason and get in touch with officials from the Russian Defense Ministry and law enforcement agencies. We guarantee security to all," the statement said.

The Kremlin in Moscow announced a speech by President Vladimir Putin.

Prigozhin, previously considered a close ally of Putin, has said he and his private army, Wagner, have occupied key military objects in Rostov-on-Don in southern Russia.

The head of the Wagner force, which plays a central role in Moscow's war against Ukraine, has openly opposed the military leadership. Prigozhin is being investigated by the authorities in Moscow for calling for an armed uprising. On Saturday, the Defence Ministry called it an "armed mutiny."

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