Olaf Scholz
German Chancellor Olaf Scholz said on Wednesday that the Wagner mercenary group’s mutiny had weakened Russian President Vladimir Putin, but that the long-term effects of the insurrection remained unknown.
The weekend rebellion, which ended when Wagner leader Yevgeny Prigozhin called off his men’s advance on Moscow, has raised concerns about Putin’s hold on power while Moscow’s war in Ukraine continues.
Scholz stated in his first comprehensive comments regarding the failed rebellion that it would certainly have long-term consequences in Russia.
“I do believe that he (Putin) is weakened”, the German leader said.
Scholz further said, “It demonstrates that the autocratic structures, the power structures, have cracks, and he is not as firmly in the saddle as he always claims”.
“But I don’t want to speculate on how long he’ll be in office, it could be a long time or a short time, we don’t know”, Scholz continued.
Scholz stated that Germany and its Western partners would closely monitor future developments.
“Russia is a nuclear power, it is a very powerful country and that is why we have to watch very carefully when dangerous situations arise”, he warned.
Scholz reaffirmed Berlin’s support for Ukraine and emphasized that no peace talks could take place until Moscow withdraws its soldiers.
“Anything else would legitimize what has occurred”, he explained.
He went on to say, “And that is why the war can’t just end there, where the line is between the various armies”.
He was unsure whether the Wagner mutiny would make it easier or harder to end the war.
“That is why it is critical for Ukraine to play its part in making it (a resolution) possible, which is what it is attempting with the current offensive”, he continued.
Scholz stated, “Western partners are supporting Ukraine so that it can defend itself”, but added that our goal in supporting Ukraine is not regime change in Russia.
Previously regarded as hesitant to send weaponry, Germany has overtaken the United States as the second-largest contributor of military aid to Ukraine.
When asked afterward about the possible hazards posed by Wagner forces in Belarus, Scholz stated that NATO would be closely monitoring developments.
“Private armies are always threatening, even for countries that maintain them — Russia has now seen that”, he told media.
Despite calling it a situation that we are watching with great concern, Scholz said NATO was ready to defend every centimetre of its territory.
“At the same time, I am not currently expecting a change in the situation”, he added.
After the insurrection, Putin ordered Wagner to surrender its heavy weapons and its fighters to either join the regular armed forces or accept exile in Belarus.
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