'Ukraine Will Protect Europe From Russian Chaos': Zelensky Says 'Putin Probably Hiding Somewhere'

In a series of Tweets, Zelensky accused Putin of deploying "hundreds of thousands" to the war to protect himself in the Moscow region, using weapons that he provided.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky on Saturday said that the armed insurrection by members of the Wagner mercenary group highlighted Russia's political instability. The ongoing events pose a significant challenge to the long-standing rule of the Kremlin chief and represent Russia's most critical security crisis since his rise to power in late 1999.

In a series of Tweets, Zelensky accused Putin of deploying "hundreds of thousands" to the war to protect himself in the Moscow region, using weapons that he provided. Russia’s full-scale weakness is obvious, and Ukraine is able to protect Europe from the spread of Russian evil and chaos, Zelensky said. 

“Russia’s weakness is obvious. Full-scale weakness. And the longer Russia keeps its troops and mercenaries on our land, the more chaos, pain, and problems it will have for itself later. It is also obvious. Ukraine is able to protect Europe from the spread of Russian evil and chaos,” Zelensky noted.

He further stated, "Russia has long concealed its weakness and the incompetence of its government through propaganda."

“And all this is one person, who again and again scares by the year 1917, although he is able to result in nothing else but this,” Zelensky added.

President Zelensky urged Ukrainians to maintain their resilience, unity, and strength, and he expressed confidence in Ukrainian commanders and warriors.

Ukrainian President Zelensky Suggests 'Putin Is Hiding'

Volodymyr Zelensky in his daily address to the nation, stated that Russian President Vladimir Putin is likely "very scared" and hiding somewhere as rebel mercenaries continue their advance towards Moscow. Zelensky further remarked that Putin had brought this threat upon himself. 

Rebel Troops 'Turning Back' In Russia As Wagner Leader Strikes Security Deal

Following a tumultuous day in Russia that sparked fears of a civil war after the Wagner mercenary group threatened to overthrow Moscow's military leadership, the chief of the rebel group has stated that their troops are now 'turning back' to avoid further bloodshed, according to AFP.

Additionally, Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko announced that he brokered an agreement wherein Wagner Group leader Yevgeny Prigozhin would abandon the mutiny in exchange for "security guarantees" for his fighters, according to a report from RT Russia.