Most recently, the head of the Russian mercenary company Wagner, Yevgeny Prigoschin, who used to be quite shy of the public, caused a stir with recruitment videos and statements about the war in Ukraine. Known as “Putin’s cook,” the Russian posted a video to his Twitter channel that appears to have been taken near the hotly contested eastern Ukrainian city of Bakhmut. In it, Prigozhin presented Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy with an offer for talks.
“We can meet at any time. Then we can find out what belongs to whom and why,” explains Prigozhin, who also transmits the message via Morse code using artillery pieces (see tweet below). But in another recording, the 61-year-old that there was no answer from the other side and that they would therefore shoot from a different position Then Prigozhin thanks the soldiers and announces: “The longer they do not answer, the closer we get.”
Just on Tuesday, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy made a surprise visit to the frontline city, cheering on troops and presenting medals to deserving soldiers. After his visit, Zelensky underlined the desire for the complete liberation of all Russian-occupied territories. “We will do everything possible and impossible, expected and unexpected, so that our heroes have everything they need to win,” Zelenskyy said in his daily video address on Tuesday night. The troops must achieve what “all Ukrainians expect”. Negotiations are currently quite impossible.
Putin’s authority is undermined
In an analysis of the videos, Russia experts from the US think tank Institute for the Study of War emphasize that the mercenary chief’s offer should not be taken seriously as he has no official government role, but that the 61-year-old could use it . denying the authority of Kremlin boss Vladimir Putin nevertheless undermined. Putin’s image as commander-in-chief, who has not been to the front once in the current war, has already been badly damaged.
According to the ISW, Prigozhin is trying to polish his company’s image and position it as part of the Russian armed forces with his controversial performances. They want to get rid of the untrustworthy image of a mercenary. However, credibility is low given the brutality with which Wagner fighters made headlines, not least in Ukraine. The recruitment of prisoners can also have a negative effect.
Source: Krone
I am Wallace Jones, an experienced journalist. I specialize in writing for the world section of Today Times Live. With over a decade of experience, I have developed an eye for detail when it comes to reporting on local and global stories. My passion lies in uncovering the truth through my investigative skills and creating thought-provoking content that resonates with readers worldwide.
