CIA high-level commentary on the Prigojin-Putin conflict

US Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) director William Burns made assessments at the Aspen Security Forum about Wagner leader Yevgeny Prigojin’s revolt in Russia last month.

He weighed in on the agenda in a chat show at the 14th Aspen Security Forum, held in the US state of Colorado from July 18-21. Burns also assessed the position of the leader of the Wagner forces, Prigojin, on the uprising in Russia last month and the position of Russian President Vladimir Putin on this issue.

Burns asserted that this revolt exhibits major weaknesses in the power system that Putin has built, saying: “I think there is a relationship between the battlefield in Ukraine and what happens inside Russia; I think if the Ukrainians progress or progress further on the battlefield, it will make more elite and non-elite Russians pay attention to Prigokhin’s criticism of the war. At this point, Putin is playing for time. I see you thinking about what to do with Wagner and what to do with Prigojin. “I think what he will try to do is disarm Prigojin and undermine him, but also protect what he values.”

Putin, someone who thinks that revenge is a dish that is eaten cold

“I think what we are seeing is a very complex dance between Prigojin and Putin. I think Putin is someone who generally thinks that revenge is a dish that is served cold. So he will try to resolve the situation to the best of his ability. But in my experience, Putin is a vengeful apostle, and I would be surprised if Prigokhin could escape further punishment.”