Putin’s Power Put to the Test in Russia Coup Attempt

Russian President Vladimir Putin has brokered a deal to end a rebellion by private military contractor Wagner, led by Yevgeny Prigozhin, a close ally of Putin.

The deal followed a week of fighting in which Wagner troops seized control of key military installations in southern Russia.

Prigozhin had demanded the ouster of Defence Minister Sergei Shoigu, whom he has long criticised for his conduct of the 16-month-long war in Ukraine.

The US had intelligence that Prigozhin had been building up his forces near the border with Russia for some time.

Wagner troops have played a crucial role in the Ukraine war, capturing the eastern city of Bakhmut.