Putin's Meeting with Wagner Leader Prigozhin Sparks Speculation on Empire's Future

Russian President Vladimir Putin held talks with Yevgeny Prigozhin, the founder of the Wagner mercenary group, and his commanders to discuss the recent mutiny attempt by Wagner against the army's top brass. The meeting took place on June 29 and lasted three hours, during which Putin assessed Wagner's actions in Ukraine and offered them further options for employment and combat. The mutiny, which was defused by Belarusian leader Alexander Lukashenko, is considered the most serious challenge to Putin's power since he came to office. Prigozhin has stated that the mutiny aimed to hold the army and defense chiefs accountable for their actions in Ukraine, but Putin has retained his defense minister and chief of the general staff.