Russia: Is Putin’s power damaged after Prigozhin’s mutiny?

Last we heard he was banished to Belarus after abandoning his insurrection.

But a few hours ago, the mercenary leader resurfaced – from an undisclosed location.

In an 11-minute audio statement – he defended the uprising, saying “society demanded it”. But denied he intended to depose President Putin, saying he was acting to prevent his Wagner Mercenary group being disbanded.

Yevgeny Priogozhin had proven, he said, there are “serious problems with security” across mother Russia.

He called his seizure of Rostov-on-Don, and march on Moscow a “masterclass” in how Russia should have invaded Ukraine last year.