NATO Calls Illegal War Initiated by Vladimir Putin In Ukraine Triggered Split In Russia

Secretary General of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) Jens Stoltenberg said President Vladimir Putin's illegal war against Ukraine had divided Russia and created new tensions.

He was referring to the uprising of the Wagner mercenary group in Russia last weekend, which he called an internal affair of Russia.

"At the same time, we must not underestimate Russia.

So, what is more important is that we continue to provide support to Ukraine," Stoltenberg said.

Ukrainian troops are now counterattacking.

The battle is tough, but they are making progress.

The more territory Ukraine can liberate, the stronger their position at the negotiating table will be," Stoltenberg added.

The leader of the Wagner group accused Russian forces of attacking his fighters and then crossing from Ukraine into the Russian city of Rostov-on-Don.

In response, the Federal Security Service opened a criminal case against the armed insurgent group, while Putin branded the uprising as treason.

Wagner leader Yevgeny Prigozhin said his fighters would move to Moscow, prompting the Kremlin to increase security measures in various areas.

Prigozhin later said his soldiers decided to turn back to avoid bloodshed when they were about 200 kilometers from Moscow.

Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko said he held talks with the Wagner leader after receiving Putin's approval, and Prigozhin accepted the de-escalation deal.