Espreso. Global
OPINION

Why Prigozhin's march failed to turn into Syria for Russia

9 December, 2024 Monday
13:15

What recently unfolded in Syria could have easily happened in Russia last year. The "Prigozhin March," which exposed Moscow’s fragility, had the potential to topple the Putin regime. It could have — but it didn’t

client/title.list_title

The brief "window of opportunity," which could have aired out the suffocating corridors of the Kremlin, shut quickly. Within two days, the Tsar regained control — first over himself, then his army, his media, and his inner circle. The rebellion was crushed, and Prigozhin was executed in dramatic fashion. The system became even more rigid. Meanwhile, the war machine shifted into higher gear.

The world wasn’t ready for Prigozhin’s rebellion. It watched with wide-open eyes, paralyzed and fearful, as Russia teetered on the edge of collapse. In the West, there was a quiet consensus: better to keep the Tsar in place than face the chaos of an empire falling apart. Unchecked disintegration would bring unpredictable fallout.

In Ukraine, we couldn’t influence the situation then — and even now, we shy away from accelerating the empire’s collapse. We stick to linear tactics, hoping that a "wall-to-wall" approach will yield results. But the strategic goal remains: to eliminate the artificial construct called the "Russian Federation" from our borders. We need new neighbors — states with their own identities, free from Moscow’s imperial ambitions. They, not us, should be the "buffer zone" between the West and Moscow. They should bear the burden of living "between a rock and a hard place."

But Ukraine doesn’t have a plan for this yet.

And so, we keep walking the path we’re on. Waiting for others to shape our strategy according to their fears and interests. For now, we wait…

Source

About the author. Viktor Shlinchak, Chairman of the Board of the Institute of World Policy

The editorial staff does not always share the opinions expressed by the blog authors.

Tags:
Read also:
  • News
2025, Tuesday
21 January
21:30
Exclusive
Defense Express expert analyzes Russian military production rates amid war
21:10
4,000 North Korean soldiers killed in Kursk region — Zelenskyy
20:51
British actor Stephen Fry urges world to pay attention to Ukraine war
20:35
Exclusive
"This precedent could trigger changes": Military expert on the detention of former AFU commanders
20:14
Russian troops change tactics of Pokrovsk offensive, military spokesman says
19:53
Exclusive
Expert questions Russia's tactical decisions in possible offensive on Dnipropetrovsk region
19:30
Updated
Zelenskyy at Davos Forum urges Europe to assert global leadership
19:04
Ukrainian film about schooling during war enters Berlinale's main competition
18:40
Ukraine's Chaklun-V drones and their strike on Smolensk Aviation Plant
18:17
Trump's 90-day suspension of U.S. aid will not affect Ukraine
17:56
Ukraine's Neptune cruise missiles: Tracking their impact on Russian targets in 2024
17:35
'Long-term peace based on Russia's interests': Putin and Xi Jinping hold video call
17:16
Ukraine is “waiting” for talks with Trump's team, says official
16:57
OPINION
Trump, "war" on transgender rights, and why Zelenskyy was not invited to inauguration
16:35
Repressions in occupied Crimea: women, lawyers, artists targeted by Russian authorities
16:14
Macron urges Europe to boost defense spending following Trump's presidency
15:54
Ukrainian experts warn of growing influence of North Korean forces in Russia's war effort
15:33
OPINION
War refugees: draft evaders and the disillusioned
15:16
Human Chain of Unity: Historic symbol of Ukraine's struggle for independence
14:56
Ukrainian paratroopers share how they captured North Korean soldier
14:30
Ukrainian drones hit oil depot in Liski, Voronezh region, Russia — second attack in one week
14:15
Ukraine’s Zelenskyy open to negotiations, Russia’s Putin holds back, Trump says
13:55
Is U.S. aid to Ukraine at risk amid Trump’s 90-day suspension order?
13:36
Exclusive
Russia advances just 1.5 km on Pokrovsk front in a month, says military expert
13:28
Ukraine thwarts 35 corruption schemes valued at nearly UAH 5 million
13:18
Updated
Russia reports UAV attacks as Ukraine confirms strikes on Smolensk factory, Voronezh oil depot
13:12
OPINION
Putin — Trump: like on the eve of war…
12:53
Russian strikes on Dnipropetrovsk region cause injuries to railway workers
12:35
Russian soldier kills commander amid claims of brutal conditions on Zaporizhzhia front
12:13
Erdoğan, Fico discuss Ukraine war, vow to continue efforts for ceasefire
11:51
Ukraine reports 152 combat clashes on Jan. 20, repels 73 assaults in Pokrovsk direction
11:30
Exclusive
'War here feels like Vietnam': Ukraine’s 13th Brigade on situation in Kharkiv region
11:13
Exclusive
Ukraine Russia war live map, January 8-15
Street battles rage in Toretsk, says military administration head
10:52
OPINION
Trump’s team lacks clear plan to end war in Ukraine
10:13
Russia’s war against Ukraine: Trump plans to meet with Putin for talks
09:56
'Each side is going to have to give up something': U.S. Secretary of State Rubio on Russia-Ukraine war
09:35
Russia loses 1,600 soldiers, 12 tanks, 130 UAVs in one day of war in Ukraine
2025, Monday
20 January
21:30
“Today is day of change”: Zelenskyy congratulates Trump on his inauguration
21:15
Ukraine receives military aid from Latvia, including drones, generators
20:59
Trump does not mention Ukraine in his inaugural address
More news