Putin has always legitimised his 24-year rule in Russia with the argument that he was the one who brought law and order after the chaotic 1990s
Media mentions – Russia
It must be admitted that the question of collaboration is on the table. Wagner’s troops used large equipment from the Russian Army in their convoy
Jana Puglierin and Jeremy Shapiro write about the changes in transatlantic relations caused by Russia’s war against Ukraine
Putin was in the weakest position during his whole rule, he called Lukashenko and Lukashenko helped him
Would Lukashenko accept someone else doing politics in his country, where he is the main dictator? I don’t think so
On the tactical level, it’s important to pacify a bit, to make it calm, to give some hope and benefits to the ordinary Wagner mercenaries and senior command, to reduce their incentives to act