Why *wouldn't* Americans cheer on two of their enemies turning on each other instead of on US allies? It helps our ally in their defense against Russia and likely helps bring the Ukraine war to a quicker conclusion. We should all be thrilled by this. Unless, of course, we secretly like to defend Russia. Pretty sure Russia would be rightfully happy if the US and Germany started fighting each other instead of sending weapons to help Ukraine.
I actually entertained the same thought. I've read reports from insiders who've defected that the FSB has been know to leak fake rumors about Putin's health and then monitor to see who does something disloyal. I wouldnt say is is fact by any means, or anything more than a random idea, but I think the idea has merit.
I am not a Russian expert like some around here. However from what I observe, I don't think Prigozhin overthrowing Putin is a victory. I would think he is a worse alternative than Putin. That aside, since the beginning of this 'special operation', it has been full of misinformation, propaganda and wishful thinking from all sides. The internet, including this site, is full of armchair generals who actually believe they have the latest intel on all the situations. At this point, this 'coup' seems more likely between a false flag and a protest. There is a world of a difference between being thrilled by wishful thinking vs living in reality.
Was just thinking that 10 years ago Russia while having tensions with the West was doing much more business with the West, more integrated with the global economy, Russian citizens could easily travel to Western countries and vice versa, also Russia was mostly peaceful. It's hard to see how any part of the invasion of Ukraine has actually helped Russia.
Could be. However, I don’t think you would have seen a complete evisceration of the reasoning for going into Ukraine in the first place, if that was the case. The “trusted colleague” just said the entire war is based on a lie. I don’t think commentary like that was part of any plan that Putin dreamed up.
Prigozhin said no blood was shed but they shot down 7 aircraft? Apparently, they only had 5000 soldiers marching towards Moscow.
I read Russia lost 39 pilots/aircrew, assuming those numbers are correct. I think Prigozhin meant no Wagner blood was shed.
the bold seems more likely to be misinformation, propaganda, or just general weirdness (aka conspiracy thinking)
Yep, but in the short term, he did cut a deal. Within a few hours, it went from ‘He’s a traitor who will be captured and executed’ to ‘If you stop marching toward Moscow and leave, you are a free man.’ This also indicates that he’s practical and willing to negotiate, and not the type who would nuke you if cornered. That’s good news.
Except overthrowing Putin isn't necessary for the conflict between them to be beneficial to the US. And you wrongly assume that just because Prigozhin overthrows Putin that he'd become President. There's a lot more to being President than commanding a private army. Your first statement is 100% accurate, at least. Sure ... this is a reasonable thing to say. And then you posted this and did exactly what you complain about others doing. What is your basis for thinking you know what this coup was likely to have been?
I'd point out, though, that as head of a mercenary army he probably has better physical security than most Putin opponents who fell off of balconies. Of course, Putin could shoot a rocket at him or something. But assassinating him while maintaining plausible deniability might be hard.
Ah, yeah, Mr. Putin pretty much confirmed the false flag theory here . On a serious note, taking this long to publicly respond is telling (of how serious this was). He's usually much quicker and faster with his gaslighting of the Russian public (and, to some extent, the American public too ).
Yeah - he has been known and tracked for awhile for those interested in Eastern Europe. He is a very scary guy. Not much phases me - but this guy looks like a former SS that crawled out of the cold ground or Russia.
Every Russian troop should lay down their arms and leave Ukraine. What is Putin going to do…murder all his soldiers for ending a bad war?
