President Vladimir Putin vowed Saturday to defend Russia against an armed rebellion by mercenary chief Yevgeny Prigozhin, who led his troops out of Ukraine and into a key city south of Moscow.
The uprising, which Putin called “a stab in the back,” was the biggest threat to his leadership in over two decades in power.
The private army led by Prigozhin appears to control the military headquarters in Rostov-on-Don, a city 660 miles (over 1,000 kilometers) south of Moscow that runs Russian offensive operations in Ukraine, Britain’s Ministry of Defense said in an intelligence briefing.
Machiavelli had some cautionary words about the foolishness of relying on mercenaries.
"Don't use mercenaries. If they are bad, they will lose your country for you
ReplyDeleteif they are good, they will take it away from you. Don't use mercenaries "
- Machiavelli
Dean's corollary: Offshoring, outsourcing & subcontracting are the mercenaries of today's business world
The MBAs in outsourcing give away intellectual property and throw skilled workers with their company's institutional knowledge out on the street.
Do not use mercenaries ~ Sun Tzu [they cannot be with you in heart; lazy, undisciplined]
ReplyDeleteI'm not the least bit surprised, been pretty obvious, exponentially so, since the failure to shock and awe at the onset. Noted it a few times as they overextended themselves, it was/is/has-been inevitable.
Betting window is open on when China moves on Siberia ...
Prigozhin may wantto stay away from windows and balconies.
ReplyDeleteHe cut a deal
ReplyDeleteStill be a good idea for him to avoid balconies, windows, and empty garages. Also, tea.
ReplyDeleteHe sort of abruptly turned from his march on Moscow "to the end" and will now relocate to Belarus. What that does to Russia's ability to fend off Ukraine's counter offensive remains to be seen, but I will venture that it will not be helpful.
ReplyDelete-Doug in Sugar Pine
I suspect Putin should be more worried about windows. He is the one who showed his weakness. We don't know what was in the Prigozhin deal but the people in charge of Moscow windows have now seen the old lion is toothless.
ReplyDeleteDeputy Prime Minister, Denis Manturov reported fled to Turkey and claimed asylum with his family. Backed the wrong horse?
ReplyDeleteRumor?
ReplyDeletehttps://twitter.com/archer_rs/status/1672593154862620678
https://www.yahoo.com/entertainment/billions-roubles-prigozhin-claims-russian-124613179.html
ReplyDelete