From Breakingviews: Whatever happens after Vladimir Putin’s humiliation by Yevgeny Prigozhin, the rest of the world sees the Russian president as wounded. That perception may matter more than the power games unfolding in Moscow, says pierrebri
Wagner mercenary chief Yevgeny Prigozhin leaves the headquarters of the Southern Military District amid the group's pullout from the city of Rostov-on-Don, Russia, June 24, 2023. REUTERS/Alexander Ermochenko TPX IMAGES OF THE DAY - RC2WP1ALRNELat the hand of his former protégé Yevgeny Prigozhin, the rest of the world sees the Russian president as wounded. That perception may matter more than the power games now unfolding in Moscow.
The worst outcome would be a period of long uncertainty with different clans vying for power in Moscow. Russia is not a major global economic power - its GDP is smaller than Italy’s or Canada’s, and large parts of its economy have been uncoupled from the developed world since the invasion of Ukraine early last year. Even so, chaos at the top would make its government even more unpredictable than it has been since Putin annexed Crimea in 2014.
Yet global powers should also prepare for the best. A major political crisis could bring to the Kremlin a leadership team that accepts the futility of continuing Putin’s conflict in Ukraine. An offer of talks about a Russian withdrawal could prompt the United States and Europe to dangle the possibility of a gradual easing of sanctions.
The confusion born from Prigozhin’s failed mutiny will continue for weeks, if not months. For the rest of the world, however, Russia’s future has already changed.Heavily armed Russian mercenaries from the Wagner group withdrew from the Russian city of Rostov under a deal that halted their rapid advance to Moscow on June 24.
Canada Latest News, Canada Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Is this the beginning of the end for Vladimir Putin?For several hours on Friday and Saturday, it seemed as if Russian President Vladimir Putin was in serious danger of losing his grip on a nation he has led for more than two decades.
Read more »
Putin vows to punish those involved in mutiny, accuses them of treasonRussian President Vladimir Putin pledged to punish everyone involved in mutiny and accused them of treason.
Read more »
Putin has only himself to blame as infighting engulfs Kremlin insiders | CNNBy giving Prigozhin free rein to raise a private army, Putin both unleashed the political ambitions of the businessman and surrendered the state’s monopoly on the use of force. | Analysis
Read more »
Mercenary chief's forces advance toward Moscow as Putin vows harsh punishment for rebellion leadersMoscow's mayor warned Saturday that traffic could be restricted in parts of Russia's capital as part of heightened security prompted by the rebellion of mercenaries with private military company Wagner.
Read more »
Viral video reportedly shows Russian attack helicopter dodge Wagner missileWagner rebels are closing in on Moscow in a direct threat to Vladimir Putin's regime.
Read more »
Russia-Ukraine live updates: 'Mystery' why Prigozhin stopped march, US official saysA senior U.S. official says it is a mystery as to why Wagner Group chief Yevgeny Prigozhin stopped his march to Moscow given that he was seemingly in a dominant position.
Read more »