President Vladimir Putin’s grip on power faced a significant challenge over the weekend, marking a first in his more than 20-year rule. While the rebellious Russian mercenary forces that invaded Moscow have been repelled, Putin’s ability to project an image of complete control has been undermined. This situation has the potential to spark further challenges to his rule and weaken Russia’s position in the war in Ukraine.
In a surprising turn of events, Yevgeny Prigozhin’s Wagner troops easily captured Rostov-on-Don and seized the military headquarters, before advancing towards the capital without encountering serious resistance. The fact that some people even cheered this invasion demonstrates how Prigozhin’s narrative as an opponent of a corrupt elite has resonated, and this will not go unnoticed by Putin’s inner circle.
Nigel Gould-Davies, a senior fellow at the Institute for Strategic Studies, emphasized the profound anxiety that this episode has had on Russia’s elites. Putin’s once loyal protégé has severely damaged the confidence of those who matter most around him.
During those critical hours, the Kremlin seemed helpless as the Wagner convoys roamed freely through Russia, bypassing roadblocks and successfully shooting down military aircrafts in their path. To defend Moscow, authorities hastily deployed a mix of troops and police, dug up roads, and even destroyed bridges in an attempt to slow down the advancing forces.
Russian Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu and General Staff chief Gen. Valery Gerasimov disappeared from public view on that decisive day, further fueling the perception of weakness and lack of control.
In an early Saturday televised address, Putin somberly accused Prigozhin of betrayal and drew parallels to the collapse of the Russian empire in 1917. However, in a surprising twist, Putin granted Prigozhin amnesty, on the condition that he goes into exile in Belarus.
While the Kremlin may present this as a wise move that prevented a bloodbath, it is an extraordinary compromise from a leader who has relentlessly suppressed dissent and silenced critics through force. Many Russians see Putin’s handling of this revolt as a sign of unforgivable weakness.
Viktor Alksnis, a retired Soviet air force colonel known for his hardline views, expressed concern that Prigozhin’s actions have showcased Russia’s vulnerability. According to him, Russia is now closer to an irreparable collapse.
This blow to Putin comes on top of repeated failures in the ongoing war in Ukraine. The mutiny has destabilized the military and significantly dampened troop morale, creating opportunities for Ukraine’s counteroffensive.
While the deal with Prigozhin may bring some of the Wagner troops under Defense Ministry control, it is a small consolation for the extensive damage inflicted on the government’s authority throughout this crisis.
Political analyst Kirill Rogov argued that Putin’s tolerance of the feud between Prigozhin and top military leaders was a product of his strategy to shift blame for the military blunders in Ukraine. Putin believed he could manipulate and fully control Prigozhin, but this strategy backfired.
In the end, Putin did manage to rein in Prigozhin, but it came at a steep cost.
Associated Press writer Danica Kirka in London contributed to this report.
Denial of responsibility! VigourTimes is an automatic aggregator of Global media. In each content, the hyperlink to the primary source is specified. All trademarks belong to their rightful owners, and all materials to their authors. For any complaint, please reach us at – [email protected]. We will take necessary action within 24 hours.
