In a televised address to the nation, Russian President Vladimir Putin labeled Wagner leader Yevgeny Prigozhin's rebellion a "betrayal," conducted out of "personal interests". 

Putin said the Wagner mercenary group's rebellion is a 'stab in the back' to Russia.

The comments come after the chief of the group vowed to overthrow Russia's military leadership and claimed control of a key military headquarters in the south.

Also Read: Wagner rebellion 'stab in the back' to Russia: Putin

Earlier, the Russian Defense Ministry accused Wagner head Evgeny Prigozhin of spreading false information, Russia Today (RT) reported.

This came after a post made on social media earlier Friday claiming to show a rocket strike on one of the company’s bases from Russian territory.

The ministry said: "All messages and video distributed on social networks on behalf of [Evgeny] Prigozhin about the alleged strike by the [Russian military] on the camps of PMC Wagner in the rear areas do not correspond to reality and are an informational provocation."

They added: "Armed Forces of the Russian Federation continue to carry out combat missions on the line of contact with the Armed Forces of Ukraine in the area of the special military operation."

Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov stated that Russian President Vladimir Putin has been briefed on the Prigozhin and Wagner situation, and necessary measures are being implemented.