Military expert reveals Prigozhin’s hidden motives, and why he may even want to see Ukraine’s victory
Yuriy Romaniuk, the head of the “Ukraine in NATO” non-government organization, has told Radio NV that the leader of the Wagner mercenary company, Yevgeny Prigozhin, may secretly want to see a Ukrainian victory over Russia.
“It has been at least a year since some individuals overlooked the notable transformation of Prigozhin’s role and position within the Russian landscape,” Romaniuk told Radio NV.
“He has emerged as an independent stronghold within the Kremlin, not merely one among the fourteen or however many towers there are there, but rather, he can be best described as a self-contained Spasskaya Tower,” said Romaniuk, referring to the famous and prominent clock- and star-bearing Kremlin tower.
The expert stressed that Prigozhin is accountable to no one except Russian dictator Vladimir Putin, who wields direct influence over him. Romaniuk stated that over the past six months, the Wagner PMC leader has already begun forging an independent political career.
“(Prigozhin) understands that he has some knowledge of the days and hours (remaining for) Putin’s reign, and he has no doubts about the outcome. He realizes that in the new Russia, commonly referred to as the post-war era, he will have to find a way to survive. Just like he managed to survive in the prison zone, along with his Wagner group and tens of thousands of other inmates.”
Furthermore, the expert stated that, contrary to Prigozhin’s rhetoric, his current focus may depend on the victory of the Ukrainian Armed Forces over Russia.
“Because only in the complete collapse and failure of the Russian Federation and Ukraine’s victory does Prigozhin have the sole opportunity amidst this chaos to seize power, akin to the Bolsheviks’ actions in October 1917,” Romaniuk said.
Romaniuk also asserted that Prigozhin enjoys “more than 30% of electoral support in Russia,” according to UK intelligence estimates.
The conflict between Prigozhin, owner of the Wagner PMC, and the Russian Ministry of Defense could reach a critical stage on July 1, 2023, according to UK intelligence. This date marks the deadline for mercenaries to sign contracts with the ministry.
UK intelligence emphasized that the requirement for signing contracts with private armed formations received approval from Russian leader Vladimir Putin, whose authority Prigozhin recognizes, unlike that of the Russian Ministry of Defense.
Previously, Prigozhin declined to sign contracts with the Ministry of Defense, branding it a “path of shame.”
Meanwhile, Chechen warlord Ramzan Kadyrov’s Ahmat battalion has already entered into a contract with the Russian Ministry of Defense.
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