Putin's Power and Control Undermined by Wagner Mutiny

The recent mutiny by the Wagner Group, a private military contractor, has raised doubts about President Vladimir Putin's strongman image and Russia's stability. While it is still uncertain how much Putin has been weakened, his failure to take a tough stance against the mercenaries has dented his cultivated image of control. Putin appears more isolated, with fewer world leaders reaching out to him, including Chinese leader Xi Jinping. The upheaval may prompt a push for a negotiated solution from China or African countries. The events have also undermined assumptions about Putin's unwillingness to compromise and his ability to withstand a long war. The question now is whether Putin's biggest battle is with his own people.