The Wagner group's uprising in Russia at the weekend has exposed President Vladimir Putin's 'cracked' rule, US Secretary of State Antony Blinken said.
Earlier, Putin was threatened by the rebellion of the Russian mercenary group, Wagner led by Yevgeny Prigozhin on Saturday to trigger a 'civil war'.
The advance of Wagner's group, which was feared to take control of Moscow and overthrow Putin, was halted after Prigozhin suddenly announced that the armed uprising was over.
Prigozhin was instrumental in Russia's invasion of Ukraine, and the uprising marks the most serious challenge to the country's regime in decades.
Blinken said Prigozhin was responsible for the 'terrible atrocities' in Ukraine and it was a direct invention by Putin that ultimately 'consumed' himself.
Following the uprising, Putin slammed Prigozhin's action to overthrow the leadership of the Ministry of Defense as treason.
However, the dispute ended in less than 24 hours after discussions between the two parties were held.
