Putin and Prigozhin are suddenly best friends again

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The confrontation between Wagner boss Yevgeny Prigozhin (61) and the Russian Ministry of Defense takes the next turn. Apparently, the controversial oligarch and his mercenary group have regained the favor of Russian President Vladimir Putin (70). Instead of the announced withdrawal of the Wagner troops from Bachmut, mercenaries known for their brutality are once again employed.

The American think tank Institute for the Studies of War (ISW) attributes Putin’s change of heart to the failure of the Russian military. The Russian Defense Ministry had been trying to push Wagner back from Bakhmut since January. Prigozhin complained about the lack of ammunition and the failure to fulfill his demands. “Twice as many fighters die as necessary,” he said in late February. In addition, mention of the Wagner troops in Ukraine was banned on Russian state television.

Now the tide has apparently turned. The objectives of the winter offensive in Donbass were not achieved by the Russian army – while Wagner mercenaries continued to succeed despite logistical challenges.

Wagner is suddenly powerful again

But there may be another reason: according to the ISW, the dire shortage of personnel in the Russian army is also conceivable. Putin is trying to prevent a second mobilization. Therefore, the age of the conscripts has already been increased and there are also indications of hidden recruitment. Of course, if Wagner delivers more people and Putin does not have to announce further mobilization to the people, the ruler will be merciful.

Internal sources tell the ISW that three rifle brigades are currently being trained at the Wagner Center. These later serve to strengthen the backs of the Russian soldiers at the front. Suddenly the Kremlin army is working hand in hand with Prigozhin’s people: the mercenaries would be supported by airborne troops and there seems to be no shortage of ammunition anymore.

Source: Blick