The Impact of Russia's Turmoil on China and Putin's Leadership

The recent rebellion by Yevgeny Prigozhin's Wagner mercenaries has brought Russia to the brink of civil war. Putin's elites went into hiding until the danger had passed, and Putin himself is not up to the task of re-asserting control over the country's demoralized and divided military forces. The Wagnerites are battle-hardened and well-armed, and pacifying them would require at least four full, well-motivated, and trained army divisions. If a Kronstadt-style massacre of the Wagnerites does eventually take place, it would leave a painful wound, as Prigozhin and his men enjoy the support of many Russians.