CIA Chief Highlights Russian Elite's Doubts and Weaknesses in Ukraine Conflict

CIA Director William Burns stated that Russia's elite are increasingly questioning President Vladimir Putin's judgment, particularly following a recent mutiny led by Yevgeny Prigozhin, the head of the mercenary Wagner Group. The mutiny exposed weaknesses in Putin's control and raised concerns about his detachment from events and indecisiveness. Burns highlighted the significant black eye for Putin as Wagner forces traveled unimpeded across Russia and Prigozhin publicly criticized the rationale for the Russian war on Ukraine and corruption within the Russian elite. Burns suggested that Putin will likely separate himself from Prigozhin and seek revenge in the long run.