The Rest Is Politics 152. The Power of Prigozhin
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Jul 18, 2023 Richard Engel, NBC News' chief foreign correspondent, dives deep into the enigmatic life of Yevgeny Prigozhin, tracing his rise from a Siberian prison to a pivotal figure in Russian politics. The discussion highlights the Wagner Group's murky operations in conflict zones, including harrowing stories from the Central African Republic. Engel reveals how Prigozhin's influence intertwines with military strategies and Kremlin dynamics, while underscoring the bravery and commitment of journalists reporting from perilous areas.
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Russia as a Mafia State
- The Russian state operates like a mafia state, with Putin at the center.
- Prigozhin was part of this system, running his own operations with a mutually beneficial relationship with Putin.
Prigozhin's Early Life
- Prigozhin spent 10 years in a Siberian penal colony for armed robbery.
- Upon release, he transformed a hot dog stand into a restaurant empire in St. Petersburg.
Putin and Prigozhin's Connection
- Prigozhin's restaurants became Putin's hangout in St. Petersburg.
- This connection elevated Prigozhin's status when Putin became president.