Joe Biden: 'Today's Weak Russia' is Outcast in 40 Countries Worldwide

Joe Biden, the President of the United States, stated on Wednesday, July 7, that he believes Vladimir Putin's power has 'definitely' weakened due to the recent short-lived rebellion by the Wagner mercenary group led by Yevgeny Prigozhin. Speaking to reporters at the White House, Biden emphasized that it is difficult to quantify how much his power has diminished. Referring to Putin's 16-month invasion of Ukraine, he said, 'He has clearly failed both in the war in Ukraine and in the civil war and has been ostracized globally. The ostracism of Russia is not limited to NATO or the European Union. Russia is now an outcast in 40 countries worldwide.' The rebellion by Putin's closest ally in the war against Ukraine severely damaged Putin's credibility, as the Wagner mercenaries initially planned to arrest Sergei Shoigu, the Russian Defense Minister, and General Valery Gerasimov, but this plan was thwarted after it was leaked, leading the Russian internal intelligence agency to neutralize the arrest plan. In this situation, Prigozhin was forced to act hastily and send his fighters towards Russia, while Alexander Lukashenko, the President of Belarus, mediated and stopped the rebellion before Wagner confronted Russian forces in Moscow. Wagner's leader, Yevgeny Prigozhin, sought refuge in Belarus at Lukashenko's invitation, who requested Putin to guarantee his security. Following this rebellion, Putin expressed contradictory views about the Wagner group, labeling its leaders as traitors while praising the mercenaries for their bravery in battle. Putin revealed that contrary to Prigozhin's claims of self-funding, Russia had fully financed the Wagner group, which consisted of mercenaries and convicted criminals released from Russian prisons on the condition that they fight in Ukraine. Many of them had not received necessary combat training and suffered heavy casualties. The Russian Federal Security Service concluded its investigation into the rebellion and announced that those involved had ceased their criminal activities as part of an agreement. The Wagner group is now set to transfer heavy military equipment to the Russian army. U.S. intelligence officials were previously aware of this rebellion and informed Congress, but Biden emphasized that the West had no involvement in this event. While the future status of the Wagner mercenaries remains uncertain, it can be said that the Wagner rebellion and its consequences have significantly contributed to a clearer understanding of Putin's weakened position both domestically and internationally. Images of Wagner mercenaries retreating after an agreement with the Russian government. Wagner commander: 'We are heading to Moscow; Russia is drowning in corruption and deception.' The future of the Russian paramilitary group Wagner in the Middle East and Africa is under U.S. scrutiny. The arrest of a Ukrainian accused of assisting Russia in a 'missile attack' on a restaurant in Ukraine. Russia crisis; Putin in a new televised speech: 'Armed coup' has been thwarted. U.S. State Department spokesperson: The Wagner rebellion was a 'new moment' in Russia's war against Ukraine. Russia in crisis; Prigozhin breaks silence: 'We marched for justice.' U.S. Secretary of State: Chaos in Russia may continue for months. The return of Wagner mercenaries to bases; Italy: The 'myth' of Russian unity has ended. Biden's conversation with European leaders about Russia; Prigozhin ordered his mercenaries to retreat. The Wagner group claimed to have control of Rostov; Putin spoke. What do we know about the Wagner group? The most serious challenge to Putin's long-standing rule. Unrest in the Kremlin on Friday night; the Wagner commander accused the Defense Minister of treason and marched towards Moscow. Crisis in Russia; Wagner mercenaries turn their weapons towards Russia?