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Wagner Group leader Yevgeny Prigozhin has spoken out for the first time since his 24-hour mutiny in Russia took place.
The mercenary chief had previously been hired by Russian President Vladimir Putin for the war in Ukraine, and the Wagner head had fumed about the Russian Defence Ministry's handling of the war in recent months.
He has since spoken out on the reasoning behind his march on Moscow in an 11-minute video, alleging he did not march on the capital to incite a coup.
READ MORE: Wagner boss 'should stay away from windows and not accept tea' as Putin wants him dead
Prigozhin also alleged his troops retreated from the capital city because they wanted to avoid "spilling blood of Russian soldiers."
Prigozhin said: "We didn't march to overthrow Russia's leadership. The aim of the march was to avoid destruction of Wagner and to hold to account the officials who through their unprofessional actions have committed a massive number of errors."
Instead, the leader wanted to "hit Russian aviation" and ended up turning around from their "protest" as a way of preventing bloodshed in Moscow.
He added: "We were on a march to demonstrate our protest, not to topple the government."
Despite his claim of protest and not conflict, Prigozhin has yet to reveal what his future may entail.
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Ex-Wagner mercenaries told to 'fight for Moscow' just 24 hours before group was axed
The Daily Star previously reported the 62-year-old may be in grave danger.
Expert Anthony Glees said: "Putin would of course love Prigozhin dead. Prigozhin has humiliated him and cheated him with his attempted putsch and those who cross Putin end up dead."
Prigozhin has since confirmed the reason for the march, saying: "The aim of the march was to avoid destruction of Wagner and to hold to account the officials who through their unprofessional actions have committed a massive number of errors."
At least 15 people were said to be killed by Wagner forces, while Prigozhin says there were no casualties on his side.
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- Vladimir Putin
- Russia
- Military
- Ukraine
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