Oligarch Yevgeny Prigozhin, who is close to Russian President Vladimir Putin, can take the role of "strong man" on himself, undermining the authority of the head of the Kremlin.
This was reported by the Institute for the Study of War (ISW).
The founder of the "Wagner" PMC Yevgeny Prigozhin and his affiliated social networks are increasingly commenting on the ineffectiveness of traditional Russian military institutions and social problems that can indirectly undermine the Kremlin's rule.
Although Prigozhin does not directly oppose or criticize Putin, his popularity among the nationalist community may undermine the appeal of Putin as a "strong man" in comparison.
Discussions about the Russian civil war could further undermine the Kremlin's narratives about national, ethnic and religious unity within Russia.
It will be recalled that British intelligence previously stated that Putin's entourage, in particular Prigozhin, is increasingly criticizing the Russian military command.
