‘Putin’s position has been weakened’: Senator Reed responds to Russian rebellion

PROVIDENCE, R.I. (WLNE) — Senator Jack Reed believes “Putin’s position has been weakened” after an uprising led by the paramilitary Wagner Group against the Russian president.

The rebellion was led by Yevgeny Prigozhin, former ally of Putin’s and head of the Wagner Group. Prigozhin says this was in response to alleged shelling on the frontlines, and mistreatment during the war in Ukraine.

Prigozhin and his forced pulled back, claiming Monday they were responding to alleged aggression.

Senator Reed believes this could impact the Russian spirit as the war rages on.

“I think it is going to be harder and harder for them to go and draft troops,” said Reed.  “He is under increased pressure and won’t have the resources.”

He added, “[The Russian] assault on Ukraine has been stopped. What they are doing now is trying to defend what they have taken.”

National leaders including Reed said this uprising has pulled resources from Russian frontlines.