The Wire - June 25, 2023

//The Wire//0000Z June 25, 2023// //ROUTINE// //BLUF: Russian Coup Attempt Resolved Somewhat Peacefully.// -----BEGIN TEARLINE----- -International Events- Russia: Prigozhin's coup has ended as abruptly as it started, following successful negotiations between Wagner and the Kremlin. Details of the peace agreement are sketchy, but statements from the Kremlin indicate that an agreement was reached at the behest of mediation by Belorussian President Lukashenko (who is an old friend of Prigozhin). This comes following the downing of several Russian helicopters by Wagner forces. Kremlin spokesman Dimitry Peskov details the results of the agreement as follows (in no particular order): 1. All Wagner troops taking part in the coup will stand down and return to their barracks/encampments. 2. All Wagner troops taking part in todays actions will not be prosecuted, and those that initially refused to take part in this operation will be offered contracts folding them into the MoD. 3. The criminal case against Prigozhin will be dropped, and Prigozhin will be relocating to Belarus. 4. Russia's operation in UKR will continue unaffected. 5. Putin will not be addressing the nation anytime soon. Analyst Comment: Though a peaceful solution appears to have been reached (after the death of 12+ pilots), caution must be reserved that this incident may not over yet. Rumors have been rampant all day, with no clear proof or indication of what deal was reached. Whatever the details of the agreement are, today's actions indicate that this affair was more likely a genuine power struggle, and not (as some have theorized) a master ploy by Putin to consolidate power. Putin will of course use this opportunity as a way to consolidate power now that the incident is largely over, but it's unlikely that this entire event was premeditated for that purpose.Of course, Russians are masters of Maskirovka, Military Deception, so we never can really be sure of what is real. However, today's events left Putin with a black eye, and allowed for UKR/USA propaganda efforts an easy win. Though the long term implications of today's events is uncertain, Russia's political structure and senior leadership are going to be feeling the sting of this for a while. -----END TEARLINE----- Analyst: S2ANNNN