"For the members of Wagner group, there are three options," said Russian Ambassador to Indonesia, Lyudmila Vorobieva, at a press briefing here on Wednesday.
On June 24 and 25, 2023, Russian President Vladimir Putin made statements about the situation created by the attempted armed rebellion by the Wagner Group mercenaries, she added.
"Of course, it was a very dangerous situation because any kind of armed mutiny, we've seen that in many countries, brings a lot of sorrow and it's a tragedy for the country," she explained.
However, she emphasized that the rebellion was thwarted because it was not even supported by the group's own members, most of whom claimed they did not know about it.
"Some majority of them didn't know what was happening. They were told that it was kind of a military exercise. They didn't know what was the target of what was happening," she informed.
The ambassador said that President Putin, in his speech on June 26, said that the whole society and elements in the executive and legislative bodies at all levels showed strong consolidation and support for Constitutional order.
"The main responsibility for the destiny of the Fatherland has united everyone, brought our people together," she added.
Ambassador Vorobieva reiterated that the uprising was thwarted in less than 24 hours, and due to Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko's mediation, Wagner Group chairperson Yevgeny Prigozhin agreed to go to Belarus.
Meanwhile, regarding the fate of the members of Wagner Group, Russia has offered several options, including that they sign a contract with the Russian Ministry of Defense and become a part of the Russian Armed Forces.
Another option is to allow them to go to Belarus with Prigozhin or return to their families.
Russia will not punish or imprison members of the group because most of them did not know what was happening, Vorobieva said.
She also emphasized that the options have been given due to Russia's appreciation of the group's contribution to its special military operations in Ukraine.
"We cannot deny that their contribution is very valuable. So, sign a contract with the Ministry of Defense and become part of our armed forces," the ambassador said.
Reporter: Katriana
Editor: Sri Haryati
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