MOSCOW. June 27 (Interfax) - Russian President Vladimir Putin has thanked the Wagner group fighters who chose not to join the mutineers and may now continue service in the Russian Armed Forces.
"I thank those soldiers and commanders of the Wagner group who made the only right decision by not choosing fratricidal bloodshed and stopping at the final line," Putin said in his televised address.
"Today, you have an opportunity to continue to serve Russia by signing a contract with the Defense Ministry or other security organs, or by returning to your relatives and loved ones," he said.
Those Wagner fighters who do not wish to serve under contract with the Russian Defense Ministry or to return to their relatives and loved ones may also go to Belarus.
"Those who want to can go to Belarus as well. The promise I have given will be fulfilled. I repeat: the choice is up to every one of you, but I am certain that it will be the choice of warriors of Russia who have realized their tragic mistake," Putin said.