Putin-style Judo: Wagner PMC Insolence – Teaching by Examples
By Quantum Bird from Comunidad Saker Latinoamérica
Ed Note: We’re posting this a little late, but for the record …
At this point, everyone should be aware of Prigozhin’s latest hysterical show. So, I’ll get straight to the point.
In short, after a series of false statements, the CEO of Wagner PMC decided to order a march to Moscow, in order, according to himself, to take power from the hands of Shoigu, Minister of Defense of the Russian Federation. Prigozhin’s words and body language in his statements suggest something between a psychotic attack and the manic phase of bipolar disorder. I leave it to readers literate in psychology to comment.
Clearly, committing the crime of treason, terrorism and attempted coup d’état, as well as subverting public order, in modern Russia and against the background of the SMO, does not qualify anyone as sane. President Putin, during his address to the nation, strongly condemned the entire action, warned that those involved would be punished and called for unity, all without even once mentioning Prigozhin’s name or quoting Wagner PMC.
Anyhow, despite all the hype that took over the usual Telegram channels, with speculation ranging from Putin’s escaping from Moscow to the outbreak of a civil war in Russia, nothing substantial happened. The Wagnerites stayed in Rostov-on-Don and, after negotiations brokered by Lukashenko, President of Belarus, they decided to return to their bases.
The press service communiqué of the Presidency of Belarus is here.
All in all, we can say that:
- Russian society as a whole has shown unconditional support for President Putin.
- Putin emerged from the episode even more powerful.
- Wagner PMC, which was slowly becoming problematic, is now ready to be dismantled and maybe replaced by another entity, under new management (without Prigozhin, of course).
- Many traitors, terrorists and potential coup plotters who have come out of the closet have been identified and will be visited shortly by the FSB, in the context of the Counter Terrorism Operation that was enacted today throughout Russia.
What did Prigozhin gain from all this? Hum, you know… I don’t want to distill vulgarities.
Originally published in Portuguese here.
Translated by Lady Bharani.