The recent relocation of Wagner chief Yevgeniy Prigozhin to Belarus has raised concerns among world leaders and intelligence officers.

CIA Chief William Burns asserts that this tentative truce between Putin and Prigozhin is merely a strategic maneuver to buy time while the Russian leader contemplates his revenge plan against the rebellion leader.

Burns describes Putin as someone who believes in serving revenge cold and considers him the ultimate apostle of payback. Hence, it is highly unlikely that Prigozhin will escape further retribution. This sentiment is reinforced by US President Joe Biden, who suggested there could be a risk of Prigozhin being poisoned, advising him to be cautious about what he eats and even humorously mentioning the need for a food taster.

Despite the recent revolt led by Prigozhin, Russia’s domestic security agency, the FSB, surprisingly dropped the criminal investigation into the uprising with no charges against him or other participants, despite several Russian troops losing their lives in the clashes.

This leniency contrasts with instances where Russian journalists, protestors, and political rivals have faced harsher consequences for lesser offenses.

Putin is shaken

Prigozhin’s bold march and challenge to Russian leadership have shaken the government, with some Kremlin observers speculating that senior military officers may have supported his push for the ouster of high-ranking defense officials. Others suggest that these officers adopted a wait-and-see approach to gauge the uprising’s outcome.

The Wagner mercenary boss had hoped for solidarity from senior army officers and believed he could find support among certain groups within the ruling elite.

While investigations are ongoing, some military bloggers have claimed that investigators are examining whether certain officers had aligned with Prigozhin during the uprising.

FILE PHOTO: Yevgeny Prigozhin, founder of Russia’s Wagner mercenary force, speaks in Paraskoviivka, Ukraine in this still image from an undated video released on March 3, 2023. Concord Press Service/via REUTERS

One notable figure, Gen. Sergei Surovikin, who had strong ties with Prigozhin, is rumored to have been detained, but it remains unclear if he faces any charges or his current whereabouts.

Additionally, border guards and pilots are being scrutinized for potential involvement or failure to halt Wagner’s convoy as it entered Russia from Ukraine.

There is no doubt Putin is furious with his former friend. But a tsar does not remain a tsar unless he’s willing to silence a problem, no matter the cost.