If it's Monday, Russia in crisis.

President Putin speaks out for the first time since the abrupt end of the revolt that challenged his authority and had Russian mercenaries marching toward Moscow.

Plus, NBC's first presidential poll since Donald Trump's federal indictment showing the former president expanding his lead over his Republican rivals, while DeSantis standing

declines. And our poll shows concerns growing among Democrats about President Biden's physical and

mental fitness for office as the White House faces a fresh set of headwinds and headaches

heading into 2024.

Thank you. headwinds and headaches heading into 2024. Welcome to meet the press now.

I'm Kristen Welker in Washington.

We begin today with the latest dramatic developments after this weekend's

aborted rebellion in Russia. After Yvgeny Prozhenko, the leader of the group of Russian mercenaries,

led his troops on a march toward Moscow in an unprecedented challenge to Vladimir Putin's regime

before abruptly turning around and seemingly agreeing to a deal sending him into exile.

Now, moments ago, Russian state media played comments from Putin,

which it says he made from the Kremlin, Putin calling the revolt blackmail and vowing revenge against those behind it,

but also praising the Wagner soldiers, calling the majority of them patriots.

The organizers of this rebellion, this cannot but understand that they will be brought to justice.

Everybody understands that. This is criminal activity, which is aimed at weakening the country,

which, and this was a colossal threat.

From outside, we are threatened.

Now, earlier today, President Biden addressed the situation for the first time,

detailing how the U.S. and its allies are approaching the turmoil inside Russia with urgency and also caution.

I also convened our key allies on a Zoom call to make sure we're all on the same page.

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