The fierce Russian mercenary leader called back his troops Saturday as they were 150 miles south of Moscow. It has been reported the Belarusian President, Alexander Lukashenko brokered a deal between Putin and Prigozhin. The truce removed charges of insurrection against Prigozhin and his removal to Belarus under an amnesty agreement. The condition would be that he would recall his mercenaries back from an advance towards Moscow. The Wagner Chief was said to have agreed to prevent bloodshed on both sides.
Putin had referred to Prigozhin as a traitor and insurrectionist. How this will be treated by Putin’s inner circle remains to be seen. Putin is known to get rid of his enemies under any condition. Just as he has managed to rid himself of twelve or so critics including Russian oligarchs. How the Wagner Chief will respond over the next few days is not certain.
American analysts consider him the “walking dead” knowing how Putin has dealt with his previous adversaries. Then again Prigozhin commands a battle-hardened army and supposedly loyal number of troops totaling thirty thousand. Putin may not be willing to tangle with him not now at the very least.
Wagner Chief Prigozhin marched onto Moscow very much unopposed by the Russian army. In all this confusion it brings to the forefront what may the future of Russia be like. Does Prigozhin fancy himself as Russia’s next leader? Will Putin put him down as soon as he is unexpecting? What about Wagner’s Army, will they follow Putin or remain loyal to their former leader? One other interesting tidbit, Prigozhin has admitted to having medalled in the 2016 US elections. Where just this past week a Republican-appointed special counsel, John Durham before Congress testified there was no Russian meddling! And he called his investigation conducted with political prejudice and in good faith!