Putin's War: A Disaster for Russia

The Devastating Consequences

Putins war in Ukraine has been an absolute catastrophe for Russia. The country has suffered an estimated 100,000 casualties, leaving thousands of families in pain and suffering. The morale among Russian troops is extremely low, with many soldiers turning and running away from the battlefield. The war crimes committed by Russian forces have also caused international outrage, with Ukraine accusing the Kremlin of targeting civilians. The International Criminal Court even issued an arrest warrant for Vladimir Putin for his involvement in war crimes.

Putin's Response

In the face of these challenges, Putin doubled down on his war efforts. He cracked down on dissent at home, detaining thousands of anti-war demonstrators. He also mobilized more troops, despite many Russians not wanting to serve. Additionally, Putin turned to Yevgeny Prigozhin and his Wagner forces for support. When the regular military proved ineffective, Putin relied on Prigozhin's troops to get the job done.

Prigozhin's Army

Yevgeny Prigozhin, a former prisoner himself, recruited convicts and battle-hardened mercenaries into his Wagner forces. These troops laid waste to Ukrainian cities, committing brutal human rights abuses and disregarding the rules of war. Prigozhin's success made him a star in Russia, as he presented himself as a man of the troops, reminiscent of Putin's early years in power.

A Clash of Power

However, Prigozhin's outspokenness and criticism of the Kremlin's handling of the war strained his relationship with Putin. Eventually, Prigozhin took matters into his own hands, leading to an armed mutiny and a march on Moscow. This posed a significant threat to Putin's hold on power, as Prigozhin vowed to destroy everything in his forces' way as they attempted to march back to Moscow.

A Surprising Turn of Events

To everyone's surprise, the conflict came to an end. Prigozhin ordered his mercenaries to turn around and return to their bases, just 120 miles from Moscow. A mysterious deal was reached, and Putin announced a compromise with Prigozhin, leading to the withdrawal of his troops. This turn of events left Putin looking weak and vulnerable.

The Aftermath

The mutiny and its resolution raised questions about Putin's grip on power and the future of the war in Ukraine. Putin's authority and image as a strong leader were damaged, and his political future was called into question for the first time in 23 years. The ramifications of these events are far from over, leaving uncertainty about Putin's hold on power and the future of Russia.