Putin says situation 'difficult' in Rostov in southern Russia

MOSCOW - Russian President Vladimir Putin on Saturday acknowledged a "difficult" situation was unfolding in the southern city of Rostov-on-Don, where the Wagner mercenary group has taken control of key military sites in an effort to oust Russian military's top brass. 

"There will be decisive measures taken on stabilising the situation in Rostov-on-Don," Putin said in an address to Russians.

"It remains difficult and the work of civil and military authorities in fact is being blocked." 

READ: Wagner forces rebel against Russian army

Putin described efforts by the Wagner military group to unseat the country's top brass as a "deadly threat" to Russia and urged the country to unite.

"Any internal turmoil is a deadly threat to our statehood and to us as a nation. This is a blow to Russia and to our people," Putin said in an address broadcast on television, adding: "This battle, when the fate of our people is being decided, requires the unification of all forces and unity."