Here's some interesting background information on Putin's unruly hired hand - including some details on the situation that led to Prigozhin's rebellion: "Prigozhin’s African Empire Offers an Alternative to Kremlin Largesse".
Originally, Putin envisioned Wagner as just another security force competing for his good favor, even a counterweight to his generals. But, by early 2023, clearly fearing Prigozhin’s growing power, Putin endorsed measures to curb his influence. He demoted Wagner allies in the state security apparatus (e.g. Sergey Surovikin), blocked recruiting prisoners, and possibly restricted Wagner’s ammunition supply during the Battle of Bakhmut. Finally, Putin ordered Wagner to integrate into the military. In other words, Putin announced he would nationalize Prigozhin’s business empire and personal army, leaving him defenseless against his political adversaries.
Rather than submit to this death sentence, Prigozhin launched the June rebellion.
Yeah, maybe.
ReplyDeleteThing is, we don't really know what's going on in Russia. And our confidence in news from Ukraine should not be as high as it is either. And given that "news" from either location can't be relied upon without third party corroboration, analysis of events there is shady speculation.
We don't really know exactly what happened with Wagner Group, the Russian Army, Putin and Prigozhin. We may not know in our lifetime. That doesn't stop many ostensibly smart specialists from pontificating, or deter our corrupt media from spreading the speculation. Bear in mind many of these players have been tainted.