High-Stakes Drama Unfolds as Wagner Chief's Failed Coup Attempt Spells Doom: Analysts
High-ranking Russian mercenary, Yevgeny Prigozhin, the commander of Wagner Group, is now seen as a "dead man walking" following a botched rebellion that analysts perceive as the gravest threat President Vladimir Putin has faced in 23 years, revealed experts on Monday.
Ian Bremmer, president of Eurasia Group, a geopolitical risk consultancy, voiced strong doubts about Prigozhin's longevity after his daring but failed coup attempt, despite Kremlin's public assurance of clemency and exile for their former ally.
"[Prigozhin is] kind of a dead man walking at this point," Bremmer said during an appearance on CNBC's "Squawk Box Asia." "I would be very surprised that he’s still with us in a few months’ time."
The severity of Prigozhin's actions against Putin, Bremmer noted, has historically led to harsher repercussions. He stated, "Putin has imprisoned and assassinated people for far less than what Prigozhin has done to him."
Prigozhin, known as "Putin's Chef" for his profitable Kremlin catering contracts, attempted to rally support from Russian soldiers but found himself marching solo to Moscow. His attempted coup crumbled around 120 miles outside the capital when he did not receive the expected backing, contrary to his early claims of substantial support.
Prigozhin's desperate attempt to reach Putin amidst the unfolding coup only amplified his peril, as his calls were met with deafening silence, amplifying his realization of crossing the line, according to Russian opposition publication, Meduza.
In a recent audio recording, Prigozhin justified his actions as a protest against Russia’s Defense Ministry, which he accused of planning to disband his group and orchestrating an attack that led to the deaths of 30 mercenaries.
Despite the unprecedented challenge to his authority, Putin's grip over the nation remains firm, as indicated by the lack of high-level defections from the Russian military, government, or oligarchy during the upheaval, noted Bremmer.
Although Prigozhin and his men were offered pardon and exile to Belarus, opposition leaders predict a frosty reception. Franak Viacorka, a senior adviser to exiled Belarus opposition leader Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya, warned that Prigozhin's presence would not be well-received in their country.
While recruitment efforts for the Wagner Group continue, Prigozhin's legal issues remain unresolved. Russian news agency TASS reports that a criminal case against Prigozhin