Russian defense minister speaks out first time since rebellion
Russian Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu made his first public comments since last month’s failed rebellion led by Wagner Group boss Yevgeny Prigozhin and claimed that Russian President Vladimir Putin is actively engaged with his commanders
Shoigu said that Putin listens to "very detailed reports" twice a day and "all commanders on all levels understand and feel all the weight of responsibility that was placed on them."
"They carry out their responsibilities with great pride," he said.
![PHOTO: Russian Defence Minister Sergei Shoigu chairs a meeting with the leadership of the Armed Forces in Moscow, in this picture released, July 3, 2023.](https://s.abcnews.com/images/International/Shoigu-rt-er-230711_1689108883860_hpMain.jpg)
Shoigu claimed that Ukraine hasn't achieved any of its goals in its counteroffensive. The defense minster added that Russia may be using cluster munitions following the announcement that Ukraine will be receiving similar weapons from the U.S.
"If the United States supplies cluster munitions to Ukraine, the Russian Armed Forces will be forced to use similar weapons against the Armed Forces of Ukraine as a response," he said.
-ABC News' Natalia Shumskaia, Ellie Kaufman and Will Gretsky