Ukraine ping
Mariner: [Yes, I think I spoke prematurely.
And it looks like he is taking over the regional military in Rostov.]
You’re thinking of the Russian population and soldiery as chess pieces of the same color as Putin, and Prigo as limited to Wagner troops. In reality, Prigo could get recruits to join him once he starts putting up numbers on the scoreboard. That’s what his earlier videos were about - establishing himself as a can-do personality among abject failures, and a commander who will do his best to give his troops everything they need to win. His selling points are an exit from Ukraine and promotions for people who join him. How effective the pitch is - we’ll see soon enough.