Russia’s invasion of Ukraine took a stunning turn over the weekend, when the leader of the Wagner mercenary force threatened a coup against President Vladmir Putin.

Yevgeny Prigozhin’s long-brewing pushback against Russia’s military establishment was short-lived. Within 24 hours, Belarus had negotiated a deal that saw the man once dubbed Putin’s chef allowed to leave the country without any blood being shed.

The saga has baffled international onlookers, with many believing that even though this coup failed to topple the Russian leader, it may mark the beginning of the end of Putin’s long reign. 

Damien speaks to Otago University international relations professor Robert Patman to discuss the biggest challenge to Putin’s supremacy. 

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Host: Damien Venuto
Producer: Shaun D Wilson
Executive Producer: Ethan Sills

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