‘Former Russian Government Official Alleges Putin and Wagner Chief Engaged in Criminal Activities’

In a bold and controversial statement, a former Russian official has labeled Russian President Vladimir Putin and the leader of the private mercenary group Wagner as mere “gangsters fighting for their piece of pie.” The former Russian foreign minister, Andrei Kozyrev, made these remarks in an interview with CNN. According to Kozyrev, the pie – symbolizing power and resources – is growing smaller due to the ongoing war and international sanctions.

Kozyrev went on to describe Putin as the mastermind behind this arrangement and suggested that he was responsible for the rise of Wagner’s chief, Yevgeny Prigozhin. When asked if Putin should be classified as a gangster himself, Kozyrev unequivocally answered in the affirmative, stating that Putin is the “godfather of the whole arrangement” and that Prigozhin was his creation.

Highlighting the level of control Prigozhin holds over Putin, Kozyrev claimed that the Russian dictator is entirely dependent on his support. He further noted that the people are against this dictator. Prigozhin’s recent actions, including leading his troops towards Moscow in an armed rebellion against Russian Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu, have only intensified the gravity of the situation.

However, on Saturday, Prigozhin abruptly changed course and retreated after an alleged intervention by Belarusian President Aleksandr Lukashenko. As part of the agreement brokered by Lukashenko, Prigozhin and his troops will not face prosecution and will be escorted to Belarus, thus defusing the rebellion.