Since his uprising against the Russian government, the head of the Wagner mercenaries, Yevgeny Prigozhin, has apparently been in Belarus from time to time. However, the head of US foreign intelligence, the CIA, believes he is still not safe. On the contrary, Russian President Vladimir Putin is thinking about how best to retaliate against Prigozhin, CIA chief William Burns said. Putin prefers to serve his revenge cold.
After the Wagnerian uprising in Russia at the end of June, many experts were surprised that Prigozhin was apparently able to go into exile in Belarus unscathed after Putin initially labeled the group as traitors.
“Significant weaknesses in the energy system”
However, according to CIA director Burns, the uprising exposed “significant weaknesses in the power system” that Putin had built. From Burns’ point of view, the president is not going to let this sit on him. “If I were Prigozhin, I wouldn’t fire my taster.”
Burns was referring to a statement by US President Joe Biden. A week ago, he had mocked Prigozhin and speculated that the mercenary could be a victim of poisoning: “If I were him, I’d be careful about what I eat. I’d watch my menu,” Biden said.
Putin is the ultimate apostle of revenge
Burns said Putin is the “ultimate apostle of vengeance,” the BBC said this week at Colorado’s Aspen Security Forum, a conference of US think tank Aspen Strategy Group. “So I’d be surprised if Prigozhin escaped further retaliation,” Burns said.
Burns added that Putin will likely try to buy time as he considers the best way to deal with the leader of the Wagner group.
Putin initially said that “traitors” would be punished – but so far he has not acted on this threat. But that may be yet to come, Burns believes: “Putin generally believes that revenge is a dish best served cold,” he said in Aspen.
Prigozhin became known as “Putin’s cook” and confidant of the Russian president, and he made a notorious name as head of Russia’s private army. The Wagner group was also involved in the offensive war against Ukraine on the part of the Russian government. There were repeated conflicts with the Russian Defense Ministry.
Prigozhin in exile in Belarus
Still, it came as a big surprise when Wagnerites occupied military installations in southern Russia on June 23 this year, announcing a “March of Justice” to oust Putin’s defense minister, Sergei Shoigu. The march was eventually called off – Prigozhin apparently negotiated a deal with the Russian government and settled in neighboring Belarus.
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.
