US officials see weakened Putin as Russia tumult reveals ‘cracks’

The unprecedented challenge to Russian President Vladimir Putin by Wagner Group fighters has exposed “cracks” in the strength of his leadership that may take weeks or months to play out, US Secretary of State Antony Blinken has said, as Russia ally China says it supports Moscow in “protecting national stability”.

In a series of television interviews, Blinken and members of the United States Congress said that Saturday’s turmoil in Russia has weakened Putin in ways that could aid Ukraine’s counteroffensive against Russian forces within its territory while benefitting Russia’s neighbours, including Poland and the Baltic states.

The unprecedented challenge to Russian President Vladimir Putin by Wagner Group fighters has exposed “cracks” in the strength of his leadership that may take weeks or months to play out, US Secretary of State Antony Blinken has said, as Russia ally China says it supports Moscow in “protecting national stability”.

In a series of television interviews, Blinken and members of the United States Congress said that Saturday’s turmoil in Russia has weakened Putin in ways that could aid Ukraine’s counteroffensive against Russian forces within its territory while benefitting Russia’s neighbours, including Poland and the Baltic states.