Putin is weak and losing control - Zelensky interviewed by CNN
In an exclusive interview with CNN, Vladimir Zelensky called Putin's reaction to Prigozhin's "mutiny" "weak" and indicative of Putin's weakening control over his own people.
Recall that last month Yevgeny Prigozhin, the head of the Wagner PMC, staged a brief mutiny, seizing control of military installations in two Russian cities and advancing towards Moscow before agreeing to retreat. The event was one of the most significant challenges to Putin's power in two decades.
Speaking to CNN's Erin Burnett, Zelensky noted Putin's inability to maintain control, as evidenced by Wagner's Mutiny. He stated:
Wagner's advance deep into Russia and the takeover of certain regions shows how easy it is to do so. Putin is not in control of the situation in the regions.
He further added: The whole power vertical he used to have is just collapsing.
The Ukrainian president also mentioned that some Russians supported the Wagner fighters when they challenged Putin's power. He said that, according to Ukrainian intelligence, half of Russia supported Prigozhin and the rebellion of the Wagner group.
Zelensky also stressed his ultimate goal of freeing Crimea, a region annexed by Russia in 2014 in violation of international law.
He stated: We cannot imagine Ukraine without Crimea. And as long as Crimea is under Russian occupation, it means only one thing: the war is not over yet". He also clarified that peace without Crimea would not be considered a victory.