Vladimir Putin critic Yevgeny Prigozhin labelled 'absolute dictator' after latest conflict

Vladimir Putin has been the Russian President since May 7, 2000, over 23 years now. Amid rumours that his health is declining, many are wondering who will take over Russia when Putin dies or is no longer fit to run the country.

One of the potential successors that have been talked about in the past is Yevgeny Prigozhin, the leader of the Wagner Group. However, the narrative is changing from him being a successor to him now challenging Putin's authority and position.

Over the weekend, the Kremlin reported that Prigozhin had turned his troops against the Russian army. According to Kremlin spokesperson, Dmitry Peskov, the ‘criminal charges’ against Prigozhin have been dropped:

The criminal case will be dropped against him. He himself will go to Belarus.

It was then announced that the Wagner Group leader left Russia and should be in Belarus, however, as reported by CNN, his current whereabouts are unknown.

Yevgeny Prigozhin allegedly staged a coup against Vladimir Putin

As reported by Newsweek, Yevgeny Prigozhin staged a rebellion which Vladimir Putin described as a ‘stab in the back’ in a televised address. Indeed, Prigozhin had marched his troops to Moscow.

As reported by CNN, the Wagner Group had taken control of a key military base in Rostov-on-Don, a southern Russian city. For quite some time now, the Wagner leader has been openly critical of Putin’s military leadership as well as how he is handling the war in general.

Prigozhin described the attack as a ‘march of justice’ and not a coup after it was reported that the Russian military had attacked and killed men of the Wagner Group.

Read more:

⋙ Vladimir Putin: Rare details about relationship with his 'chef'-turned-critic Yevgeny Prigozhin disclosed

⋙ Vladimir Putin looks ‘visibly rattled’ as he makes major mistake in latest war meeting, report claims

Yevgeny Prigozhin would be an ‘absolute dictator’

Following the events, former NATO Supreme Allied Commander Europe, James Stavridis has compared Yevgeny Prigozhin to ancient Roman leaders and said that Prigozhin would ‘become the absolute dictator’.

James Stavridis tweeted on Saturday, June 24:

Prigozhin has crossed his Rubicon…When Julius Caesar did it it led to his ascension to become the absolute dictator of Rome. But ultimately it led to his assassination and death.

US politicians have also claimed that the Wagner leader is essentially ‘more dangerous’ than Putin and is, according to Joaquin Castro, a Texas Democrat Rep:

A ruthless, bloodthirsty mercenary who is as bad as, arguably worse than, Putin

Read more: Vladimir Putin could be losing close military ally in Russia as alleged feud escalates

Sources used:

CNN: ‘Wagner chief to leave Russia for Belarus in deal that ends armed insurrection, Kremlin says’

CNN: ‘Moscow has stepped back from civil war with Wagner. But the danger’s not over, experts warn’

Newsweek: ‘Former NATO Commander Suggests Prigozhin Could Become 'Absolute Dictator'

New York Post: ‘Wagner boss ‘more dangerous’ than Putin: Congress rips Yevgeny Prigozhin’