UK says Russian state now facing greatest challenge of recent times

Russian President Vladimir Putin attends a meeting with Qatari Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al Thani in Moscow, Russia June 22, 2023. Sputnik/Sergey Bobylev/Pool via REUTERS/File Photo

LONDON (Reuters) -Britain's defence ministry said on Saturday that the Russian state was facing its greatest security challenge of recent times, following what it said appeared to be a move by Wagner Group mercenary forces towards Moscow.

Russian President Vladimir Putin said in an emergency televised address on Saturday that an "armed mutiny" by the Wagner Group was treason, and that anyone who had taken up arms against the Russian military would be punished.