Russo-Ukrainian War 2014-23 and Invasion

[mongers]

My guess would be a helicopter crash in Africa, on my way out I'd just seen a news strapline saying Prizgoshin was dead and I've not read this thread either.

Alright, let us know when you've read the thread

Well maybe it's a Putin powerplay to reassert some authority.

I'd guess the Putin regime will now go after most other Prizgoshin associates and commanders?

Pity really, not for the guy, but because he was a significant source of instability threatening Putin.

Gotta hope somewhere there's a bunch of Wagner loyalist who still hold some respect for him and will now attempt to get Putin or attack Russian state institutions?

[DGuller]

What is interesting about the assassination is that they didn't even try the "woops fell out of a window" bit. It was full on, there's his plane, shoot it with our military. No pretending even in the lazy Russian manner.

The trend in Russia over time has been towards a more brazen exercise of extrajudicial power, which accelerated with the war.  I think part of it was an intentional drift towards heavier authoritarianism, but part of it is also just not giving a shit anymore after decades of impunity.  The fact that Russia now almost openly has warlords is a consequence of this more catastrophic breakdown of the rule of law.

[Sheilbh]

There was one obvious heir, but he was on the same plane. 

I don't know who you're talking about, but maybe there's no point learning about the guy now he's dead.

This guy, feel like we've missed the chance for a kinder, gentler Wagner:


Surovikin also removed as head of Russia's aerospace forces.

[DGuller]

There was one obvious heir, but he was on the same plane. 

I don't know who you're talking about, but maybe there's no point learning about the guy now he's dead.

I think he's talking about the Nazi guy? The one with all the swastikas and ss-runes tattooed on him?
It's the first actualy denazification the Russians have done in this war.

Yes, Utkin. He was the face and chest of Wagner long before Prigozhin became widely known.

[HVC]

Surovikin also removed as head of Russia's aerospace forces.

Guess he missed his flight.

[DGuller]

Surovikin also removed as head of Russia's aerospace forces.

Guess he missed his flight.

The new guy seems to have done a good job not missing it.

[mongers]

There was one obvious heir, but he was on the same plane. 

I don't know who you're talking about, but maybe there's no point learning about the guy now he's dead.

I think he's talking about the Nazi guy? The one with all the swastikas and ss-runes tattooed on him?
It's the first actualy denazification the Russians have done in this war.

Yes, Utkin. He was the face and chest of Wagner long before Prigozhin' became widely known.

Of the ten killed in the crash, seven have now been named including Wagner group commander Dmitry Utkin.


Sad for the three crew, who were perhaps just doing their job.

edit:
Eight bodies now found in the wreckage, perhaps the a bomb as onboard and rather close to the two main victims, or maybe there's a remote chance Prigozhin was wearing a parachute and had a chance to use it???

[Josquius]

Before today I'd been reading rumours Mr Wagner had alreasy been killed. He vanished after the aborted coup. Lots of talk he took the hit which is why priggy lived free.
Guess not.

[Tamas]

Before today I'd been reading rumours Mr Wagner had always been killed. He vanished after the aborted coup. Lots of talk he took the hit which is why priggy lived free.
Guess not.

Who is Mr. Wagner?

[mongers]

Before today I'd been reading rumours Mr Wagner had always been killed. He vanished after the aborted coup. Lots of talk he took the hit which is why priggy lived free.
Guess not.

Who is Mr. Wagner?

That is now the sixty-four thousand dollar question.

[FunkMonk]

The "Oh no, anyway" meme is pretty appropriate here

[Grey Fox]

Before today I'd been reading rumours Mr Wagner had always been killed. He vanished after the aborted coup. Lots of talk he took the hit which is why priggy lived free.
Guess not.

Who is Mr. Wagner?

Usually it refers to Utkin but I'm guessing Josq was referring to Pringle.

I am flabbergasted at this turn of event. I really thought that Pringle had won by not actually going thru with his coup.

[grumbler]

Before today I'd been reading rumours Mr Wagner had always been killed. He vanished after the aborted coup. Lots of talk he took the hit which is why priggy lived free.
Guess not.

Who is Mr. Wagner?

A German composer (1813-1883).

[Josquius]

Before today I'd been reading rumours Mr Wagner had always been killed. He vanished after the aborted coup. Lots of talk he took the hit which is why priggy lived free.
Guess not.

Who is Mr. Wagner?

Utkin.

[Josquius]

Meanwhile back in the actual war...

https://www.kyivpost.com/post/20847

Looks like a breakthrough might be on?

As I read things the subsequent Russian defensive lines are harder however it has largely been minefields that was slowing them down and retreating Russians might well have done some clearances/identified paths for the Ukrainians.
Time for cautious optimism?