Wagner mercenary boss Prigozhin issues defiant audio statement after mutiny ends

Yevgeny Prigozhin (Prigozhin Press Service via AP)

The leader of the Wagner mercenary group has defended his short-lived insurrection in an audio statement, after Russian defence minister Sergei Shoigu made his first public appearance since the uprising that demanded his removal.

In an 11-minute audio statement, rebellion leader Yevgeny Prigozhin denied trying to attack the Russian state and said he acted in response to an attack that killed 30 of his fighters.