[hardspunned]

“Later on Saturday, Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko, in coordination with Putin, held talks with Prigozhin, which yielded a de-escalation plan. Later, Prigozhin said that PMC Wagner was halting its advance to Moscow to return back to its field camps. Kremlin Spokesman Dmitry Peskov said that a criminal case against the Wagner chief would be dropped, while Prigozhin himself would go to Belarus. Besides, the Russian authorities pledged not to prosecute PMC Wagner troops who took part in the mutiny because of their "combat merits."

I’m lost. This is Russia, this is a power mad KGB thug who murdered his way to the top. A coup attempt ends all lovey dovey like this? What am I missing?

[ProfessorLee]

I’m lost. This is Russia, this is a power mad KGB thug who murdered his way to the top. A coup attempt ends all lovey dovey like this? What am I missing?

It's just theater. The Wagner troops get a free train ride to Belarus where they can strike Kiev. They have been pinned around Bakmut.

[SpaceBar]

Have eye-bleach ready if you click on the link.

[AAABEST]

The west got played.

Someone go look at where Prigozhin on the map at the moment.

Tells me everything I need to know.

[ProfessorLee]

I’m lost. This is Russia, this is a power mad KGB thug who murdered his way to the top. A coup attempt ends all lovey dovey like this? What am I missing?

It's just theater. The Wagner troops get a free train ride to Belarus where they can strike Kiev. They have been pinned around Bakmut.

[Widget Jr]

"I'm lost. This is Russia, this is a power mad KGB thug who murdered his way to the top. A coup attempt ends all lovey dovey like this? What am I missing?"

What happened, why did it happen, wow did it happen, what does it mean, and what else is going on are the $64,000 dollar questions of the hour. Your guess is as good as my or any other. I would not bet on any ideas my own. In any case, my 2¢, subject to change in the next five minutes or less:

Prigozhin got what he wanted and secured his golden parachute. What he wanted was (1) maintaining the independence of Wagner from the Russian military, (2) a new center of operations away from the Russian MOD, FSB, Federal police and the Federal Protective Service (FSO), (3) a place to sleep without one eye open, (4) giving Shoigu and Gerasimov a huge black eye, and (5) maintaining his influence in Russian politics, whatever it is.

There has to be other political wrangling going on. Moving to Belarus may have been part of the plan or a fortunate opening for him. Time will tell.

Putin's power is not threatened. He looks detached and uninvolved, not a good look for a leaders during crisis. Putin is responsible for allowing Wagner to exist. That this happened and the failures of the response to stop Wagner, reflect directly on Putin.

Lukashenko comes out ahead as a hidden winner. He was the go between for negotiating the deal and giving Wagner a new base of operations in Belarus. This gives Belarus a potential ally to stand up to Putin.

What are your guesses?

[DesertRhino]

It would be odd for Russia to discuss it with the ambassador of the country that is at war with him right now, and has publicly stated its goal to overthrow that nations government.. I’m guessing our ambassador was probably told to mind his own business.

[DesertRhino]

What you’re missing is that in reality, he’s not a powermad KGB thug who murdered his way to the top. Are you could believe Washington DC and London.

[DesertRhino]

Man, another unmarried childless woman is a diplomat to Russia. What a perfect example of what our society produces.

[af_vet_1981]

I’m lost. This is Russia, this is a power mad KGB thug who murdered his way to the top. A coup attempt ends all lovey dovey like this? What am I missing?

You’re missing more hyperbole and a reasoned knowledge of Russian history. You might couch US history in such a fashion; how slave holding founders rebelled against their lawful monarch, etc.

[sauropod]

.