In a surprising turn of events, the leader of the revolt against Russian President Vladimir Putin, Yevgeny Prigozhin, abruptly called off the rebellion within 24 hours, leaving many puzzled and concerned. Retired Gen. David Petraeus, speaking on CNN’s ‘State of the Union,’ issued a stern warning to Prigozhin, the chief of the notorious Wagner Group, suggesting he should be cautious about his safety. Petraeus made a veiled reference to the mysterious deaths of prominent Russians, often involving falls from windows, and advised Prigozhin to be wary of similar circumstances.
While Prigozhin managed to save his own life, he paid a heavy price as he lost control over the Wagner Group, the paramilitary organization responsible for the revolt. Petraeus further emphasized that Prigozhin should exercise caution in his new surroundings in Belarus, where he plans to go into exile. Belarusian President Aleksandr Lukashenko, a close ally of Putin, played a pivotal role in brokering the deal between Prigozhin and the Kremlin, thus averting a potential clash with Moscow. Despite the agreement, there have been no reports of Prigozhin’s arrival in Belarus, and the mercenary leader has gone silent since the U-turn.
This silence has raised speculation and concern about his whereabouts and safety. The recent rebellion led by Prigozhin has caused Russia to face its largest political crisis in decades. Although Russian authorities have not officially reported any human losses, Prigozhin’s Wagner Group claimed to have shot down several aircraft during the uprising. The sudden pardon granted to Prigozhin may have exposed Putin’s vulnerability, as he seemingly sought to avoid further confrontation. However, history has shown that those who oppose or betray Putin often meet their demise months or even years later, even if they leave Russia.
Critics of the Russian president have mysteriously died, many after falling from windows, since Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in February 2022. One notable incident involved the chairman of the board of Russia’s largest private oil company, who fell from a hospital window in September of the previous year. The situation surrounding Prigozhin and his potential relocation to Belarus remains uncertain, leaving observers and critics closely monitoring the developments. As the international community watches closely, the concern for Prigozhin’s safety and the implications for Russia’s political landscape continue to grow.