READ MOREThe agreement was mediated by Belarusian president Alexander Lukashenko, a staunch ally of Mr Putin. The announcement follows a statement from the office of Mr Lukashenko saying that he had negotiated a deal with Mr Prigozhin after previously discussing the issue with Mr Putin. Graphic: PAIn a televised speech to the nation, Mr Putin called the rebellion a “betrayal” and “treason”. Photograph: Vasily Deryugin/APBroadcasters also carried statements from top officials and lawmakers voicing support for Mr Putin and condemning Mr Prigozhin. After Mr Putin’s address, in which he called for unity, officials sought to reiterate their allegiance to the Kremlin and urged Mr Prigozhin to back down.

Source: The Irish Times June 25, 2023 04:43 UTC