"Kremlin's PR Crisis Control: Assessing Putin's Support Amid Mutiny"

The Kremlin claims that President Vladimir Putin has "astounding" support despite a recent mutiny by Wagner mercenaries, who briefly gained support while marching towards Moscow. Putin, rarely seen meeting ordinary Russians, made a spontaneous appearance in Derbent, where he greeted a cheering crowd. The Kremlin insists that Putin has not been weakened by the rebellion and that the prevailing support for him remains strong. After initially condemning the mutineers, Putin allowed them to return home, join the regular army, or go into exile in Belarus.