Prigozhin’s mad race to Moscow a pivotal event and it’s shaken Russia to its core

Authors

Erika Simpson, University of Western Ontario (Western University)Follow

Document Type

Article

Publication Date

6-29-2023

Journal

Hill Times

Abstract

The article "Prigozhin’s mad race to Moscow a pivotal event and it’s shaken Russia to its core" by Erika Simpson examines the failed rebellion led by Yevgeny Prigozhin, head of the Wagner Group, and its profound impact on Russia. On June 24, 2023, Prigozhin's mercenary fighters advanced towards Moscow before retreating to field camps, highlighting significant vulnerabilities within Russia's power structure. The article discusses how the rebellion exposed the corruption, lack of support, and incompetence within the Russian military, and questioned the trustworthiness of the Wagner Group. It also delves into the potential geopolitical repercussions, including the possible redeployment of Russian forces, the implications for the Ukraine conflict, and the risk of nuclear escalation. The rebellion is likened to a pivotal event, comparable to the January 6 Capitol attack in the United States, suggesting it could mark a turning point in Vladimir Putin's grip on power and Russia's status as a pariah state.

Notes

First published in The Hill Times, Canada' foremost foreign and defense policy magazine.