Russian Mercenary Commander’s Revolt Against Putin’s Rule Ends, But Long-Term Consequences Remain Unclear

A short-lived revolt by a Russian mercenary commander has ended with his troops retreating, but the challenge to President Vladimir Putin’s two-decade hold on power could have long-term consequences.

Yevgeny Prigozhin, the head of the Wagner mercenary group, was set to leave for Belarus on Sunday morning under a deal brokered with the Kremlin. The announcement followed a statement from the office of Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko saying that he had negotiated a deal with Prigozhin after previously discussing the issue with Russian President Vladimir Putin.

As part of the deal, Wagner troops would be pardoned and criminal charges against them dropped. It is unclear what other concessions were made in the deal, but it is believed that Prigozhin will remain in Belarus for the foreseeable future.

The revolt, which began on Saturday, was the first major challenge to Putin’s rule since he came to power in 2000. It is unclear what motivated Prigozhin to challenge the Kremlin, but it is believed that he was unhappy with the government’s handling of the war in Ukraine.

U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken said on Sunday morning that the situation in Russia is an “unfolding story” and that the U.S. is watching it “very closely and carefully.” He added that the current situation should be seen in the context of Putin’s two-decade rule.

The revolt has ended, but the long-term consequences of the challenge to Putin’s rule remain to be seen.