Russian authorities have announced the closure of a criminal investigation into the attempted armed rebellion led by mercenary leader Yevgeny Prigozhin, stating that no charges will be pressed against him or his troops. The Federal Security Service (FSB) stated that the individuals involved in the mutiny, which lasted less than 24 hours, had ceased their activities related to the crime. This decision marks a significant development in the ongoing power struggle in Russia amid the 16-month-long war in Ukraine.
Over the weekend, the Kremlin declared that Prigozhin and his fighters would not be prosecuted after they halted the revolt, despite previously labeling them as traitors. The swift change in the government’s stance contrasted with the harsh treatment of anti-government protesters in Russia, many of whom received long sentences in penal colonies known for their severe conditions.
The whereabouts of Prigozhin remain unknown, and the Kremlin has stated that he may be exiled to neighboring Belarus. However, neither he nor Belarusian authorities have confirmed this information. Belarusian military monitors reported the landing of a business jet associated with Prigozhin near Minsk on Tuesday morning.
Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko, a close ally of Russian President Vladimir Putin, portrayed the uprising as a clash between Prigozhin and Russian Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu. Lukashenko did not immediately address Prigozhin’s fate in a speech on Tuesday.
The rebellion, which saw the mercenaries shoot down several Russian helicopters and a military communications plane as they approached Moscow, raised questions about the lack of serious resistance faced by the rebels. National Guard chief Viktor Zolotov explained that authorities concentrated their forces near Moscow to assemble a strong defense.
In his speeches, Putin criticized the organizers of the rebellion without mentioning Prigozhin by name. He praised the unity of the Russian people and emphasized the avoidance of major bloodshed. The Kremlin has sought to project stability and authority in the aftermath of the uprising.
The Institute for the Study of War in Washington, D.C., noted that the break between Putin and Prigozhin may be irreparable and that offering Belarus as a safe haven could be a trap. The future of Prigozhin’s mercenary force remains uncertain, as Putin has given them the option to come under the command of Russia’s Defense Ministry, leave service, or go to Belarus.
The situation surrounding Prigozhin and the failed rebellion continues to evolve, with many questions remaining unanswered regarding his fate and the implications for Russia’s power dynamics in the region.
Si Venus L Peñaflor ay naging editor-in-chief ng Newsworld, isang lokal na pahayagan ng Laguna. Publisher din siya ng Daystar Gazette at Tutubi News Magazine. Siya ay isa ring pintor at doll face designer ng Ninay Dolls, ang unang Manikang Pilipino. Kasali siya sa DesignCrowd sa rank na #305 sa 640,000 graphic designers sa buong daigdig. Kasama din siya sa unang Local TV Broadcast sa Laguna na Beyond Manila. Aktibong kasapi siya ng San Pablo Jaycees Senate bilang isang JCI Senator.
