Trump warns about ousting Putin in Russia, says successor could be 'far worse'
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Former President Donald Trump said on Saturday that any potential successor to Russian President Vladimir Putin could be "far worse" than the controversial incumbent.
"A big mess in Russia, but be careful what you wish for. Next in may be far worse!" he said on Truth Social.
In Moscow, the government threw up private checkpoints, armored vehicles and other security measures ahead of the Wagner army, marking a stunning and potentially explosive sign of division within Russia over Putin’s leadership.
Prigozhin targeted Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu specifically, accusing Russian government forces of attacking Wagner field camps in Ukraine with rockets, helicopter gunships and artillery, and has previously called for the minister’s ouster.
"This is not a military coup, but a march of justice," Prigozhin said.
Putin, meanwhile, called the rebellion "treason" and promised harsh consequences for those involved.
"All those who prepared the rebellion will suffer inevitable punishment," Putin said. "The armed forces and other government agencies have received the necessary orders."
In audio posted to social media, Prigozhin said that while his troops were just 120 miles from Moscow, he chose to turn back to avoid "shedding Russian blood."
A statement from the Belarusian government claimed, "At the moment, an absolutely profitable and acceptable option for solving the situation is on the table, with security guarantees for the Wagner PMC fighters."
In the U.S., National Security Council spokesperson Adam Hodge on Friday night said, "We are monitoring the situation and will be consulting with allies and partners on these developments."
Fox News' Peter Aitkin and The Associated Press contributed to this report.
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