Putin Grants Exile to Wagner Leader, Ending Crisis
In a surprising turn of events, Wagner mercenaries, led by Yevgeny Prigozhin, have retreated to their base following an agreement between Russia’s President Vladimir Putin and Prigozhin. The deal allows the leader to avoid treason charges and seek exile in neighboring Belarus. The resolution brings an end to the extraordinary crisis that saw a private army attempting to storm Moscow.
Fragility of Putin’s Rule Exposed
Analysts argue that Wagner’s revolt has unveiled the fragility of Putin’s rule, revealing weaknesses that were previously underestimated. The incident highlights a deep-rooted feud between Prigozhin and the Russian military’s top brass over the handling of operations in Ukraine. Despite the security measures in Moscow, the city remains relatively calm, with citizens expressing little concern about the recent events.
International Reactions and Ukrainian Counter-offensive
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and US President Joe Biden held discussions regarding the revolt, emphasizing the need to pressure Russia until international order is restored. Zelensky hinted at the possibility of obtaining “long-range weapons” for Ukraine’s counter-offensive against Russian occupiers. While Ukraine capitalized on the chaos to intensify its own operations, Russia claims that the rebellion had no impact on its campaign in Ukraine.
