Prigozhin is frontman led by serious figures in Russia's "honorable surrender party" — Piontkovsky

He expressed this opinion on Espreso.

“Putin is using blackmail tactics, demanding an honorable compromise or threatening to take nasty actions. However, both Ukraine and the West stand firm, and it is unlikely he will manage that. That’s why the "party of honorable surrender," as I call it, led by Prigozhin, is activated,” he said. 

Piontkovsky highlighted that any significant success by the Ukrainian army, both politically and psychologically, will have an impact in Russia.

“The destruction of the Chongar bridge marks the first step toward such success. A few more similar actions could lead to tensions within the Russian leadership reaching a breaking point, and the "party of surrender" taking decisive action,” he said. 

Piontkovsky emphasized the importance of Prigozhin's statement not because of his expertise, but because he represents the influential people within this so-called  "party of honorable surrender" who believe that the only way to end the war is for Russia to withdraw from Ukrainian territory.

• For more information on Prigozhin's armed rebellion against Putin.