The leader of the Russian mercenary group Wagner, Yevgeny Prigozhin, today denied Russian President Vladimir Putin's accusation of "treason", calling his fighters "patriots" and guaranteeing that they will not surrender to the authorities.

"When it comes to betraying the homeland, the President has made a profound mistake. We are patriots. We fought and fought (...) and no one intends to surrender at the demand of the President, the Federal Security Service or anyone else," says Prigozhin in a new audio published on his Telegram channel.

The group of mercenaries occupied critical facilities in Rostov, without resistance from the Russian army. Putin has said that the rebellion is a betrayal. There are reports that the group is heading towards Moscow, the Russian capital. They must be less than 500 km away.

"The one who organized and prepared the military rebellion betrayed Russia and will answer for it," Putin said during a speech to the nation broadcast on public television.

Putin did not identify Prigozhin by name and wanted to distinguish him from the forces of the Wagner group, calling on "those who were pressured into provoking this military rebellion" to lay down their arms, in what he denounced as a "stab" at the Russian troops and the people.

"Our actions to defend the motherland from this threat will be very tough and those responsible will be brought to justice," said the Russian president, who nevertheless confirmed that the situation in Rostov is "difficult" and that his forces are now trying to stabilize it.

The leader of the mercenaries did, however, warn Vladimir Putin that there will be a new president. "Putin made the wrong choice. So much the worse for him. We will soon have a new president," he said in the message.

"The trigger for the civil war was pulled by Putin. Instead of sending one or two degenerates into retirement, he gave the order to neutralize the most combat-ready unit in Russia. The lives of one or two traitors were placed above 25,000 heroes. Who is the bad guy in this conflict is already obvious. Wagner will win," he said.

According to Putin, retaliation is inevitable.