Turmoil in Russia: Reactions from foreign governments

[June 24, 2023]  (Reuters) -Following are reactions from foreign governments to the news from Russia, where President Vladimir Putin vowed on Saturday to crush what he called an armed mutiny after rebellious mercenary chief Yevgeny Prigozhin said he had taken control of a southern city.

UKRAINIAN PRESIDENT VOLODYMYR ZELENSKIY

"Anyone who chooses the path of evil destroys themselves.

"For a long time, Russia used propaganda to mask its weakness and the stupidity of its government. And now there is so much chaos that no lie can hide it.

"Russia's weakness is obvious. Full-scale weakness. And the longer Russia keeps its troops and mercenaries on our land, the more chaos, pain and problems it will have for itself later."

BRITISH DEFENCE MINISTRY, IN A REGULAR INTELLIGENCE UPDATE

"Over the coming hours, the loyalty of Russia's security forces, and especially the Russian National Guard, will be key to how this crisis plays out. This represents the most significant challenge to the Russian state in recent times."

Britain said (Prigozhin's) Wagner Group forces had crossed from Russian-occupied parts of Ukraine to Russia in at least two locations, and had "almost certainly" occupied key security sites in Rostov-on-Don.

"Further Wagner units are moving north through Voronezh Oblast, almost certainly aiming to get to Moscow," Britain said.

"With very limited evidence of fighting between Wagner and Russian security forces, some have likely remained passive, acquiescing to Wagner."

BRITISH FOREIGN MINISTER JAMES CLEVERLY

"Following events overnight involving the Wagner group and the Russian military, we are monitoring the situation carefully and liaising closely with our allies."

British citizens should continue to follow government advice not to travel to Russia, he added.

NATO SPOKESWOMAN OANA LUNGESCU

NATO is "monitoring the situation" in Russia, she said in an email.

LITHUANIAN FOREIGN MINISTER GABRIELIUS LANDSBERGIS

"For 100 years Lithuanians have lived on the edge of Moscow's brutal banditocracy, knowing it's only a matter of time before the next chaotic implosion. We are not distracted. We see clearly in the chaos. The goal, as ever, is victory and justice for Ukraine. The time is now."

Fighters of Wagner private mercenary group are deployed near a local circus in the city of Rostov-on-Don, Russia, June 24, 2023. REUTERS/Stringer

CZECH FOREIGN MINISTER JAN LIPAVSKY

"We are closely following the situation in the Russian Federation. With regard to the ongoing military invasion of Ukraine and the possible threat of erosion of the security situation in the country, especially for citizens of EU and NATO countries, our strong warning against travel to the Russian Federation is still in place."

ESTONIAN PRIME MINISTER KAJA KALLAS

"Estonia is closely following the development of the situation in Russia and exchanging information with allies. I can assure that there is no direct threat to our country. Border security has been strengthened. I also urge our people not to travel to any part of Russia."

POLISH PRESIDENT ANDRZEJ DUDA, ON TWITTER

"In connection with the situation in Russia, this morning we held consultations with the prime minister and the ministry of defence, as well as with allies.

"The course of events beyond our eastern border is monitored on an ongoing basis."

FRENCH PRESIDENTIAL OFFICE

The Elysee Palace said President Emmanuel Macron is following the situation in Russia closely.

"We stay focused on the support to Ukraine," the Elysee said.

GERMAN GOVERNMENT SPOKESPERSON

"We are monitoring events in Russia closely."

ITALIAN PRIME MINISTER GIORGIA MELONI'S OFFICE

"Prime Minister Meloni is closely following events in Russia, which show that its assault on Ukraine is causing instability within Russia."

GERMAN FOREIGN MINISTRY

The ministry told travellers to avoid the city of Rostov and the surrounding area as well as Moscow city centre until further notice.

"In Moscow, state, especially military facilities, are to be avoided. The city centre should be avoided until further notice. The instructions of Russian security authorities should be followed at all costs," it said in its updated travel advice.

(Reporting by Reuters bureaus; Compiled by Frances Kerry; Editing by Hugh Lawson)

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