Key takeaways from Prigozhin's hour-long interview
The power dynamics in Russia have clearly shifted.
Having spent dozens of hours analyzing every word spoken by Prigozhin during his hour-long interview to develop a precise translation (9,117 words!), here are my key takeaways.⤵️
Thanks to everyone who donated to woc.one to make this project possible!
FULL TRANSLATED INTERVIEW on Twitter: https://twitter.com/igorsushko/status/1669549294515531777
On YouTube:
1. Putin no longer controls Prigozhin. Prigozhin's brazen sense of security as he incites a revolution against Putin's regime can only mean one thing - someone else with immense power in the regime has guaranteed Prigozhin's personal safety.
2. Prigozhin is a very conniving & extremely intelligent monster. In some instances he is clearly lying, but none of his statements ever break the logical chain. The interview was not scripted.
3. He far surpasses Putin with his level of intellect.
4. Although the audience for his populist message is the Russian public, he sprinkles in unambiguous signals that he'd never use nuclear weapons if he were in charge, calling the idea mentally-ill. Target audience for this part is clearly the West's intelligence community.
5. Interest in Prigozhin in Russian society is through the roof. He has succeeded in legitimizing himself through this kind of medium by speaking directly to the people. His support is rapidly rising, including in local government offices.
6. Idea of Prigozhin as the savior of Russkiy Mir (Russian World) is permeating various levels of society among the hardcore warmongers, exactly those who have thus far supported Putin.
7. Direct calls to execute the Russian military leadership is an unambiguous attack on Putin. In response, Defence Minister Shoigu ordered to disband & absorb all Russian PMCs, including Wagner, just 5 days later. Prigozhin said "Shoigu will die" if he tries to take over Wagner. Note that Putin has now publicly come out in support of Shoigu’s order to disband Wagner PMC.
What are your takeaways?
He openly threats Russia's regime with a fire squad. Now I am really wondering what happens next...
fascinating - thank you so much for the translation - crazy times in Russia but it's what I for one expected all along.