Politics
Vladimir Putin made a televised speech addressing Russians after a mutiny by troops from the mercenary Wagner Group. In an attempt to regain his authority following the most serious challenge to his two decades in power, the president accused the organizers of the revolt of betraying their country. However, he also offered those who participated the option to join the Russian army or relocate to Belarus. Yevgeny Prigozhin, the leader of Wagner, claimed that the rebellion, which had started marching towards Moscow, was a protest against the mishandling of the Ukraine war by the military. The rapid advancement of Wagner’s troops in Russia has raised speculation about collusion with Russian generals and the potential for civil war.
Mr. Prigozhin went into exile in Belarus under a deal brokered by the Belarusian dictator, Alexander Lukashenko. Latvia, Lithuania, and Poland, all of which share borders with Belarus, have expressed concerns about the regrouping of Wagner forces in that country and the threat it poses to their security.
The failed rebellion by Wagner Group has raised questions about the future of its operations in Africa, where it is believed to have around 5,000 mercenaries and extensive business interests. Reports suggest that the Russian government is attempting to gain direct control over Wagner’s foreign operations, including those in Syria.
2023-06-29 09:38:41
Source from www.economist.com
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