Secret Transcript: The Putin-Prigozhin Meeting
One imagines lots of insults and threats, but the real exchange likely highlighted a longstanding mutual dependence.
Your intrepid team at “Leading Thoughts” compiled this partial transcript of Vladimir Putin’s three-hour conversation with Yevgeny Prigozhin just 5 days after the aborted June 24 march on Moscow. If the meeting actually occurred, the fact that 35 people attended, including top Wagner commanders, suggests the drama extends far beyond these two men. In fact, the Wagner Group is too powerful for Putin to disband, too complex to control without its current leader, and yet still weak to change Russia’s current the military leadership. With Russia’s current account turning negative and the ruble in free fall since the mutiny, brace for more colorful chapters ahead…
Putin: “… [inaudible] !@#%*… [inaudible] *&?%! And one last thing, if you ever, ever try something like this again, it will be the end of you.”
Prigozhin: “Yes, Vladimir Vladimirovich, we understand we put you in a difficult position, but you must see that our position was utterly impossible. You yourself have seen the incompetence and corruption in our Defense Ministry, and just think how much worse the Ukraine situation would be if we had not been there to take back Bakhmut.”
Wagner Commander #1: “People think of us as a bunch of thugs and ex-cons, but we are also sworn to defend the Motherland and protect each other. We are successful precisely because we don’t listen to the orders of the idiots on the general staff.”
Wagner Commander #2: “And, of course, it’s not just Ukraine, but also in the Middle East and Africa. You know yourself we have served you and Russia well.”
Putin: “Your prior service is the only thing that doesn’t stop me from having you all put up on charges immediately!”
Wagner Commander #3: “With respect, Mr. President, you were not able to put us up on charges because you were never going to take us without things turning very messy on the outskirts of Moscow. We can’t in good conscience turn over our weapons to the worthless commanders who have had so many of our young boys killed. And we won’t give up without a fight!”
Prigozhin: “So, Volodya, you see we’re at a bit of a stand-off! I hope you will put a stop these media attacks on me and Wagner. Of course, they make you feel good. But if what I was doing was so corrupt and dangerous, people will only ask why you let it go on for so long. Those videos of the wigs and the cash in my house also show how many medals you have given me over the years!”
Putin: “%^$#@!”
Wagner Commander #4: “And you may think it’s easy Mr. President to get rid of Yevgeny Viktorovich here with a stray bullet or doctored underwear. But we’re a pretty complicated bunch. We’ve still got access to lots of money and guns and you may find our next leader even less willing to compromise.
Wagner Commander #5: “Besides, you need us, Mr. President. Face it, you are surrounded by incompetents. How is it possible that the CIA knew about our plans in Rostov and you were blindsided?
Putin: “%^$#@!”
Wagner Commander #5: “And did you really think we would go quietly into retirement in Belarus? Lukashenko is such a fool! Yes, we’ll set up a base there, Vladimir Vladmirovich, but we’ll be watching. We’re going to be around for a long time to protect the interests of the real Russia. That includes protecting you. At least, for now.”
Prigozhin: “Listen, Volodya, I know you like playing rivals in your inner circle off against each other. I know you think it keeps everyone off balance. Normally, that’s fine. But now it’s only hiding military incompetence that rises to the level of treason! You need us to help you clean house! You need us to keep you from losing the Donbas altogether!”
Putin: “Enough! Get out! Go back to the front lines and help stop this Ukrainian summer offensive! You’re right that your country needs you. But you just wait if you step out of line again!”
Prigozhin: “Come now, Volodya. You and I have known each other for a long time. Since the very first banquets I catered for you, I have learned a thing or two about you that you wouldn’t want shared to widely.”
Putin: “You don’t frighten me, Zhenya! I’m still president and the people still love me! Didn’t you see those adoring crowds when they gathered to see my doubles last week?
Prigozhin: “[inaudible] … #$@%!”