The Wagner Mutiny and Prigozhin's Failed Coup: Implications for Russia's Future

Belarus' opposition fears that Yevgeniy Prigozhin, the Wagner mercenary boss, may attempt a similar rebellion in their country after reports emerged that field camps were being established in Belarusian territory for Wagner mercenaries. The opposition is concerned that Prigozhin's presence in Belarus could lead to escalating tensions or even an attack on neighboring countries, including Ukraine and neighboring Poland, a member of NATO. The democratic opposition in Belarus has long said that Russia's use of Belarusian territory to stage troops and launch attacks into Ukraine has grown into a kind of partial occupation, and now, with the prospect of Wagner mercenaries moving in, the hybrid occupation seems to be growing by the day.