In a strongly worded statement, the Russian Foreign Ministry condemned the armed mercenary revolt as an attempt to oust Putin and serve foreign interests that they claim has led to "sharp rejection in the Russian society."

“The adventuristic aspirations of the conspirators, in fact, are aimed at destabilizing the situation in Russia, destroying our unity, and undermining the efforts of the Russian Federation aimed at ensuring reliable international security. Thus, the rebellion plays into the hands of Russia’s external enemies," the foreign ministry said.

"We warn the Western countries against any hint of possible use of the domestic Russian situation to achieve their Russophobic goals. Such attempts are futile and will not find a response either in Russia or among sensible political forces abroad. We are convinced that in the near future the situation will find its solution, worthy of the age-old wisdom of the Russian people and the Russian State."

The ministry pledged that Russia "will continue its sovereign course to ensure its security, protect its values, strengthen its prestige in the international arena, and form a just multipolar world order."

A senior U.S. official said that the best way to see what’s happening now in Russia is an attempted mafia takeover, writes NBC News’ chief foreign correspondent Richard Engel.

Prigohzin is a capo, a good earner and, until now, a loyal soldier who has risen through the ranks by doing important and dangerous and special tasks for the boss, President Vladimir Putin, and who now appears to be making a play to take over himself.

WASHINGTON — The Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Gen. Mark A. Milley   canceled his trip to the Middle East because of the situation in Russia, according to his spokesperson Colonel Dave Butler. Milley was supposed to leave DC today and travel to Israel and Jordan or meetings with his counterparts.

Milley also spoke with Commander-in-Chief of the Ukrainian Armed Forces Gen. Valerii Zaluzhnyi today by phone. They discussed the ongoing Russian invasion of Ukraine and exchanged perspectives and assessments. Milley reaffirmed support for Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.

Miami Mayor Francis Suarez, who mounted a long-shot bid this month to become the Republican presidential nominee, urged solidarity with Russia in a tweet.

“All peace-loving people around the world should pray for the well-being of the freedom loving-people of Russia," Suarez tweeted. "The next few days will be crucial. Please pray for God to protect the innocent.”

Moscow's mayor, Sergei Sobyanin, said in a message posted to Telegram that a “counter-terrorist operation” is underway in the city and that city services are on “high alert," according to a translation.

He called for residents to "refrain from traveling around the city as much as possible" and said traffic could be blocked in certain areas.

He added that he has declared Monday a non-working day except for key services and the military.

Biden spoke with President of France Emmanuel Macron, Chancellor Olaf Scholz of Germany and U.K. Prime Minister Rishi Sunak by phone today to discuss the situation in Russia, the White House said.

They all affirmed their unwavering support for Ukraine during the call.

The Ukraine Ministry of Defense recommended Russian soldiers leave Ukraine and address the revolt at home, but the ministry didn't care which side they aided — whether the Russian state or the Wagner Group.

In a fairly glib tweet on Saturday, the Defense Ministry said it was curious why Russian soldiers "are still sitting in muddy trenches." Their efforts, the ministry suggested, could be better used at home.

"That would be far safer than confronting the Ukrainian army," it said in a tweet.