Russian’s 64-year-old Wagner mercenary group chief Yevgeny Prigozhin developed temporary insanity, telling the press he was heading to Moscow to topple 70-year-old Russian President’s Kremlin government. Putin reacted harshly saying that Prigozhin and his mercenaries would be punished for betraying the Russian state, after spending months battling Ukraine in the long, bloody battle of Bakhmut. Prigoahin claims his troops were bombed by Russia forces, prompting his angry outburst, demanding the ouster of Russian Defense Minister Segei Shoifu and military chief Valery Gerasimov. For a brief time, Prigozhin said his troops turned up Russia’s M-4 highway to Moscow. By the time Prigozhin returned to his senses, he was offered a plea deal by Belarus President Alexander Lukashnko. Officials in Kiev and Washington were gleeful at the developments.
Former President Donald Trump, 77, responded to developments, saying that U.S. officials should stop gloating over Putin’s woes, warning that if Putin went, his replacement would be far worse. “A beg mess in Russia, but be careful what you wish for. Next in may far worse!” Trump said on his Truth Social platform. U.S. and foreign press were giddy over Putin’s problems with his once loyal ally, whose Wagner group helped Moscow take Bakhmut after months of bloody fighting. After threatening to take his mercenary army to Moscow, Prigozhin did a swift about-face, agreeing to an asylum deal for him and his troops in Belarus. Putin offered his soldiers who did not participate in the short-lived coup employment in Russia’s army. All the rest must stay in Belarus with Prigoshin who’s burnt his bridges with the Kremlin. U.S. officials thought, for a minute, they could get rid of Putin.
Russia’s war in Ukraine has proved far more challenging than expected when Putin invaded Feb. 24, 2022. Putin didn’t expect the military resistance from the U.S. and Western Alliance, all committed to defending Ukraine. While the war hasn’t gone well for the U.S. and Ukriane, Putin’s latest mishap could make him think twice about keeping the conflict going. Mistakes and miscalculation complicate any war, judging by what happened with Prigozhin and the Wagner group. If Prigozhin can go off-the-rails, anything else can happen, including an unwanted escalation pulling in other NATO states. Whatever went wrong with Prigozhin, the same thing could happen with any other aspect of the Ukraine War. President Joe Biden, 80, and Ukraine’s 46-year-old President Volodymyr Zelensky have rejected all peace offers, including Putin’s own overtures for ending the conflict.
Judging by the reactions in White House officials or the U.S. press, they saw Prigozhin’s failed coup as a sign of Putin’s weakness. Instead of planning on Putin’s alleged terminal illness or his depleted military, Washington and Kiev should take peace proposals by China, France, Brazil and South Africa seriously, not dismissing them all as favoring Putin. War in Ukraine destabilizes world peace and the economy with negative consequences on all, not just combatants. After fighting the blood battle of Bakhmut for months, losing thousands of troops, Prigozhin said Russia’s military started firing on his troops. Prigozhin blames Russian Defense Secretary Sergei Shogu, promising to go to Moscow to end his command. “This is not a military coup, but a march of justice,” Prigozhin said, reminding Putin that he didn’t attack the Russian army, the Russian army attacked his Wagner group.
Prigoshin made an abrupt about-face, taking Belarus President Alexander Lukashnko u p on an asylum offer, letting his mercenary militia join the Russian militaruy. “All those who prepared the rebellion will suffer inevitable punishment,” Putin said. “The armed forces and other government agencies have received the necessary orders,” saying the situation was back under control. World leaders were on pins-and-needles watching events unfold today, with Prigozhin’s forces headed to Moscow until ordered to stand down. Clearly, Prigozhin had some kind of breakdown, ignoring the obvious consequences of threatening Putin with a coup. Prigozhin said he called off his troops only 120 miles from Moscow to avoid “shedding Russian blood.” Putin can no longer trust his once close friend knowing that he’s mentally unstable enough to make such abysmal decisions.
Belarus President Alexander Lukashenko, 69, a close Putin ally, saved the day, brokering an off-ramp for Prigozhin to avoid disastrous consequences. “At the moment, an absolutely profitable and acceptable option for solving the situation is on the table, with security guarantees for the Wagner PMC fighters,” Lukashenko said. Prigozhin’s main gripe involved the Russian military not giving him enough cash-and-weapons to accomplish the impossible mission in Ukarine. Losing thousands of troops in the battle of Bakhmut, Prigozhin went over the deep end once his fighters were fired on by the Russian air force. White House officials could barely contain their glee, prompting Trump to say beware of what you wish for. “We are monitoring the situation and will be consulting wit allies and partners on these developments,” said National Security Council Spokesman Adam Hodge.
About the Author
John M. Curtis writes politically neutral commentary analyzing spin in national and global news. He’s editor of OnlkneColummnist.com and author of Dodging The Bullet and Operation Charisma.
