Russian President Vladimir Putin appealed to Wagner forces in an address Saturday.

"I appeal to those pushed into the provocation of a military rebellion," he said.

Putin added that at this time, "we require unity, consolidation, and responsibility."

"Those who carry deliberately on a path of treason, preparing an armed rebellion when you were preparing terrorist attacks, will be punished," Putin said. The Russian President said, "any internal turmoil is a deadly threat to our statehood for us as a nation; it is a blow to Russia for our people and our actions to protect our homeland. Such a threat will face a severe response."