Putin's Power in Peril: Historic Threat to Absolute Rule in Russia.

The recent uprising by Yevgeny Prigozhin, the chief of Wagner, a Russian mercenary group, has challenged Putin's control over Russia and exposed the fragility of the political regime. The deal that allowed Prigozhin and his men to leave without consequences is unlikely to mark the end of tensions. Putin's perceived weakness may encourage those among Kyiv's allies calling for an even stronger response to Russia's aggression. As the Kremlin prepares for elections next year, doubts about Putin's political invincibility are growing.