Julia Ioffe, Washington correspondent for Puck and a Russia expert, dives into the suspicious circumstances surrounding Yevgeny Prigozhin's plane crash. She explores his tumultuous relationship with Putin and his internal struggles within the Wagner Group. Ioffe highlights the brutal consequences for defectors from Russian intelligence and examines the complexity of power dynamics in Putin's regime. The discussion uncovers the hidden rules governing political behavior and the perilous risks faced by rivals in a chaotic landscape.
Assassinations are used by Putin to eliminate threats and maintain control.
Putin's ability to eliminate threats without claiming responsibility showcases his power and control.
Deep dives
Prigosian's Betrayal and March on Moscow
The podcast explores the story of Yevgeny Prigosian, a former associate of Vladimir Putin who turned against him. Prigosian had been a part of Putin's Wagner group, which played a role in Russia's war on Ukraine. However, he felt betrayed by the Russian military's mismanagement of the war and lack of support. This led him to gather his troops and declare his intention to march on Moscow. While he managed to seize the city of Rostov without resistance, he ultimately turned back when he realized the challenges awaiting him in Moscow. This bold move embarrassed Putin and exposed the vulnerability of Russia's defenses. Prigosian's actions were seen as a direct challenge to Putin's rule, resulting in his eventual death, which was widely believed to be ordered by Putin himself.
The Power and Message of Assassinations
The podcast discusses how assassinations are used as a powerful tool by Vladimir Putin and the Russian government to maintain control and send a clear message to potential threats. It is highlighted that Putin doesn't necessarily have to claim responsibility for these assassinations, as the understanding within Russia's power structure is implicit. The deaths of individuals like Alexander Litvinenko and Sergei Skripal, who betrayed the Russian regime, serve as examples of the consequences faced by those who cross Putin. Navalny, Putin's prominent political rival, although still alive, remains imprisoned and under constant threat. The podcast emphasizes that Putin's ability to eliminate threats without explicitly claiming responsibility is a way for him to show his power and maintain control over the Russian population.
The Unwritten Code and Putin's Tactics
The podcast delves into the unwritten code, or by Niaetia, that governs the Russian political sphere and the understanding of loyalty and betrayal. This code, which originates from the Soviet and post-Soviet era, dictates that loyalty is rewarded and betrayal is severely punished. It is noted that Putin is a different kind of ruler compared to his predecessors, as he comes from a KGB background where he was trained to use tactics like killing, lying, and dissembling. The podcast suggests that Prigogine may have had an inkling of his impending death when he turned back from his march on Moscow, but he may have been lulled into a false sense of safety, believing that Putin had forgiven him. However, Putin's decision to strike at a later time was likely a display of control, showcasing his ability to manipulate his adversaries.
Wagner Group founder Yevgeny Prigozhin, the caterer-turned-warlord who recently attempted to overthrow Russia’s government, has apparently died in a plane crash. Puck's Julia Ioffe explains why it’s reasonable to suspect foul play.
This episode was produced by Amanda Lewellyn and Jon Ehrens, edited by Matt Collette, fact-checked by Serena Solin, engineered by David Herman, and hosted by Sean Rameswaram.
