Ex-CIA Director: Putin’s Power Diminished by Wagner Mutiny in Russia.

Top U.S. officials react to Russian mutiny, signaling Putin’s weakness

On June 25, top U.S. officials responded to news out of Russia that the Wagner Group private military company had staged a mutiny against the Russian state before withdrawing. This development reveals that Russian President Vladimir Putin may be weaker within his own nation than previously believed.

The conflict between Putin and Wagner chief Yevgeny Prigozhin, also known as “Putin’s chef,” reached a boiling point on June 23 after a long-running feud between Prigozhin and Russia’s Defense Ministry. Prigozhin claimed that Russian military forces intentionally killed a large number of Wagner group contractors, justifying his assault.

However, the incursion ended almost as quickly as it began. Wagner made significant gains into the Russian heartland before unexpectedly striking a deal with Russia and withdrawing. Prigozhin was granted amnesty for treason and has retired to Belarus, a Russian satellite state.

Due to restricted press freedom in Russia, information about the sequence of events is limited and conflicting accounts have emerged.

Secretary of State Antony Blinken and former CIA Director David Petraeus both expressed astonishment at the situation. Blinken, in an interview with CNN, stated that U.S. intelligence is uncertain about the reasons behind Wagner’s retreat. Petraeus suggested that Prigozhin “lost his nerve.”

‘Beginning of the End for Putin’

As the dust settles, many observers predict that this incident could mark the “beginning of the end” for Putin. However, Blinken refrained from speculating on this matter, emphasizing that it is an internal affair for Russia.

Nevertheless, Blinken argued that Russian military action in Ukraine has been a strategic failure, weakening Russia economically and militarily while damaging its international standing. The invasion has also led to European countries reducing their reliance on Russian energy, strengthened NATO, and further alienated Ukraine from Russia.

Blinken highlighted the cracks appearing within Russia due to these events and the questions they raise for Putin. Former North Dakota Gov. Doug Burgum and House Intelligence Committee Chairman Mike Turner also commented on Putin’s weakening grip on the country.

Regarding the U.S. response, officials recommended continued support for Ukraine in its fight against the Russian invasion. Blinken assured that the U.S. is focused on providing Ukraine with the necessary assistance.