Wagner Boss May Seek to Replace Putin in Coup Attempt: Political Analyst

Russian President Vladimir Putin's position as leader of his country could be threatened by none other than his longtime ally Yevgeny Prigozhin, according to a prominent political analyst in Ukraine.

Jason Jay Smart, who has advised multiple political campaigns in Europe, wrote in the Kyiv Post about the tensions that continue to escalate between Prigozhin—leader of the Wagner Group of Russian mercenaries—and the Kremlin. Those tensions have also allegedly driven a wedge between Prigozhin and Putin after the two men reportedly enjoyed a close relationship for years.

Smart said some people have speculated that given the frayed relationship with Putin, Prigozhin "may recognize the changing winds in Russia as being his own window of opportunity to move up the ladder to the top spot."