Plain English with Derek Thompson What Just Happened in Russia This Weekend?
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Jun 27, 2023 Join Paul Poast, a military historian and academic at the University of Chicago, as he unpacks the shocking 36-hour rebellion led by Yevgeny Prigozhin. Explore Prigozhin's journey from hot dog vendor to a pivotal player in Russian politics. Dive into discussions on Vladimir Putin's vulnerabilities, the Wagner Group's influence, and the unsettling implications for Russia's military efforts amidst internal turmoil. Poast also reflects on how this episode mirrors historical precedents that could lead to drastic changes in the Kremlin.
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Prigozhin's Rise
- Yevgeny Prigozhin, leader of the Wagner Group, has a checkered past, from teenage criminal to Putin's chef.
- He evolved from catering to orchestrating online propaganda and paramilitary operations for the Kremlin.
Wagner Group's Purpose
- The Wagner Group, led by Prigozhin (or, Wagner, as it is sometimes pronounced), is closely tied to the Russian government.
- It gives Putin plausible deniability in unsavory operations.
Bakhmut's Impact
- The Wagner Group's victory at Bakhmut, while costly, emboldened Prigozhin.
- However, it also fueled his discontent with the Russian Defense Ministry's handling of the war.