Russian Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu said Monday the Wagner Group’s attempted rebellion failed because Russia’s army “showed loyalty to their oath and military duty,” marking the first time he has spoken out about the short-lived mutiny.

“These plans failed primarily because the personnel of the Armed Forces showed loyalty to their oath and military duty,” Shoigu said in public remarks. “The provocation did not affect the actions of the groupings of troops.” Russia responded to the rebellion by tightening security measures in Moscow.

In late June, Wagner Group leader Yevgeny Prigozhin planned to capture Russia’s military leadership as part of his surprise mutiny but turned back after Wagner forces made it to the capital city’s outer limits. Prior to the rebellion, Prigozhin accused Shoigu of ordering a rocket strike on Wagner’s field camps in Ukraine. The Defense Ministry denied carrying out the rocket attack.