Scholz: Prigozhin's mutiny has weakened Putin

German Chancellor Olaf Scholz believes that last weekend's failed coup in Russia has weakened President Vladimir Putin, but the implications of Russia's invasion of Ukraine remain unclear.

He said this in an interview with the public broadcaster ARD on Wednesday.

"This shows that there are cracks in the autocratic structures, and power structures and that he is by no means sitting as firmly and firmly in the chair. I think he is weakened," Scholz said.

The chancellor said that the situation in Russia remains tense and that Germany will act cautiously.

"Russia is a nuclear power. Therefore, we must always look carefully when dangerous situations arise - and this is a dangerous situation," he said.

In this context, the Chancellor added that Germany supports Ukraine so that it can defend itself, but noted that "the purpose of our support for Ukraine is not to change the regime in Russia".

Scholz refused to comment on how long Putin could remain in power after the Wagner uprising.

"I don't want to participate in any speculation about how long he will stay in power. It could be long or short, we don't know," he said.

Scholz added that a change of leadership in the Kremlin may not be the best option: "We don't know if someone better or worse will come after Putin".

Last weekend, the head of the private military company Wagner, Yevgeny Prigozhin, started and then called off a mutiny over criticism of the Russian military leadership.

Author - Olena Madiak, 29/06/2023