Lukashenko explained what Putin is like today
The PMC Wagner mutiny was not staged, and even forces in the West would not like such a development of events – as noted by the President of Belarus, Aleksandr Lukashenko, in his talk with Ukrainian journalist Diana Panchenko, BelTA reports
The journalist said that the thesis is being actively promoted in Ukraine that, after the events with PMC Wagner, the Russian Government is weak. "I will quote: Putin is no longer the one he used to be. There is also another version that all this was a performance to identify traitors and to create grounds for relocation of PMC Wagner to Belarus with the aim of its further marching to Kiev. Which of these is true?" she asked.
"Let's take it in order. As regards ‘Putin is not the one he used to be’, Putin is no longer the one he was in the past: he is already raised to the second power. The recent times have taught everyone a lot, including Putin. This is no longer the same person, he is now wiser and more hard-headed – for you to know. If someone thinks that Prigozhin’s rebellion made Putin weaker, it's complete nonsense. Putin is simply more mobilised, he is more cunning and wiser. Our opponents should know this," Aleksandr Lukashenko said.
As for the idea of the staged rebellion, the President stressed that only madmen can talk about a performance, since that event caused enormous damage. "This thesis emerged immediately, but – except for Ukraine – it is not being promoted anywhere. There was no staging there," he said.
Aleksandr Lukashenko said that the initiative to relocate PMC Wagner to Belarus had been initiated by him, not by the leadership of Russia or anyone else. Moreover, it was discussed and decided upon at the time of negotiations with Yevgeny Prigozhin as one of the guarantees of security.
"That was my suggestion. In order to extinguish that rebellion, that fire, it was necessary to accept any conditions, because in case of a mutiny it would be hot for everyone. Maybe, as you say, the Westerners and Americans were immediately glad about that rebellion, but they later came to senses and thank God now for that situation did not develop. Why? They were most worried about nuclear weapons: who would have them in their hands. Would Wagner, Yevgeny Prigozhin have access to them? It would be a challenge for all. Therefore, even our worst enemies did not want that development of events and that rebellion," the Head of State noted.
Aleksandr Lukashenko believes there will be no more such rebellion in Russia in the foreseeable future. "Russia would have coped with this so-called rebellion. It would have been accompanied by much bloodshed, but I think [Russia] would have coped with – up to the point that units would have been removed from the front. However, that march in itself indicates that it is impossible and unnecessary. Frankly speaking, future rebels – by drawing conclusions from that event – would be afraid to endeavour,” the President said.
"As for the overthrow of Putin – which Zelenskyy and his supporters dream of, let them try. If these problems are not enough for them, they will get even more problems. No one will be able to overthrow Putin today," the Belarusian leader stressed.
