Why Russia Isn't Really Collapsing

Why Russia Isn't Really Collapsing
Yevgeny Prigozhin has been ‘shot down’! Two months ago, the internal conflict between Yevgeny Prigozhin and Russia’s Ministry of Defense sent shockwaves that reverberated globally!

Yet, just as swiftly as the internal strife ignited, both sides managed to de-escalate tensions and sort of part ways – until now! Could this be the long-awaited manifestation of Putin’s retribution, or is there more beneath the surface? This is the bigger picture of Prigozhin’s demise!

Just when we thought things were calming down a little, then came shocking news from Russian state media – a report of a fatal plane crash just north of Moscow. While the craft was said to have ten passengers, bodies have been found, with Wagner boss Yevgeny Prigozhin and his commander Dmitry Utkin’s names confirmed on the passenger list.

The fate of Prigozhin has been the subject of intense speculation ever since he orchestrated a mutiny by leading a rebellious coup attempt against Vladimir Putin barely two months ago. It is also worth mentioning that Putin condemned Prigozhin and openly challenged his rebellion, calling it an act of “treason” and a “stab in the back,” vowing those who oppose Russia would pay dearly.

Granted, the charges against Prigozhin were forgiven after Russia and the Wagner Group buried the hatchet in light of a brokered agreement allowing its boss to retreat to Belarus.

However, it’s rather unfortunate that they would likely be on Santa’s naughty list. Not only has the Group earned notoriety for some of its brutal tactics, but they have also reportedly been involved in war crimes across Ukraine, the Middle East, and Africa – acting without fear of the consequences. The war was simply the straw that broke the camel’s back.

Well, Putin does have an alibi. During Prigozhin’s last moments, the Russian president was at a concert commemorating the 80th anniversary of Soviet troops’ triumph in the Battle of Kursk. His reason is that significant events in Russia hardly ever occur without Putin’s awareness. Enter 2014 when Prigozhin founded the Wagner Group, a private military company based in Russia.