Ukraine War Update NEWS: Breaking News - Putin's Speech
"There seems to be this growing perhaps realization and courage to you know communicate that realization that that putin isn't all that in a bag of chips"
26/06/2023Part b
Hello Team!
Jonathan provides a breaking news update on a speech given by Putin in response to the Wagner PMC mutiny led by Prigozhin over the weekend. Prigozhin is now exiled in Belarus after a deal was brokered by Belarusian leader Lukashenko. There are still many questions around what exactly the deal entailed.
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Putin's Speech
In his speech, Putin claimed:
- The armed rebellion would have been suppressed anyway
- The organizers betrayed the people and did what the neo-Nazis in Kyiv and the West wanted by getting Russians to kill each other
- The vast majority of Wagner fighters are patriots who were used in the dark
- Thanks to Wagner fighters who stopped, there was no bloodshed
- Wagner fighters can sign a contract with the Russian Ministry of Defense, return home, or go to Belarus
Reactions to Putin's Speech
The speech has been met with disdain from many Russians. Some key reactions:
- Kiev Independent: Putin claims the rebellion would have failed and that solidarity of Russian society shows blackmail and internal turmoil are doomed to fail
- Thomas Theiner: Called it weak, feeble, gibberish from a "breathing corpse" of a regime
- Max Seddon: Putin ranted about treason but didn't announce anything significant, leaving the standoff unresolved. Prigozhin is setting the agenda over Putin
- Igor Girkin (pro-Russian military blogger): Called it pitiful and dangerous for Putin, the "confusion continues"
- Many ordinary Russians expressed disappointment, e.g. "Wow, are you a dumbass?"
Fallout and Speculation
- Putin held a meeting with top security officials after, including Shoigu, indicating he may stay on
- Some suggest there may be a reshuffle in the Russian military leadership as scapegoats, but not Shoigu and Gerasimov as Prigozhin demanded
- Putin seems to be blaming Prigozhin, who is still under investigation for treason, so the deal may not hold
- It remains to be seen if Putin will renege on the deal and reassert dominance over Prigozhin, or if Prigozhin will maintain the upper hand
Prigozhin's Response
In an 11-minute audio message, Prigozhin:
- Apologized for downing Russian aircraft that were attacking them
- Swore allegiance to Putin, insisting the march on Moscow was a protest, not an attempt to topple the government
- Thanked Lukashenko for brokering a deal to continue Wagner's work legally
- Claimed the goal was to prevent Wagner from being disbanded and to bring those responsible for mistakes in the war to justice
- Called the rebellion a "masterclass in how to launch an invasion", highlighting security breaches
Wrap Up
Jonathan's initial thoughts are that Putin is trying to reassert superiority over Prigozhin while also showing weakness in his leadership. The reactions from Russians are testament to Putin no longer being seen as a strongman leader. Much more will likely develop over the coming hours and days. Jonathan will resume normal video updates the next morning.
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