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Wagner leader hits back at Putin

Wagner chief Yevgeny Prigozhin has responded to President Vladimir Putin's "betrayal" comments, suggesting in fact that the mercenary group's soldiers are Russian "patriots."

"The president makes a deep mistake when he talks about treason," Prigozhin said in an audio message.

Prigozhin also said that Wagner forces would not be "turning themselves in and confess at the order of the president, the FSB (security service) or anyone else. Because we don't want the country to continue to live any longer in corruption, deceit and bureaucracy."

Earlier on Saturday, Putin said Wagner fighters were traitors who must be punished.