The Russian President, Vladimir Putina village bath was given as an image strategy to strengthen its reputation, which was affected after the rebellion led by Yevgeny Prigozhin, of the Wagner Group, last weekend.
In an exceptional gesture, the leader approached the crowd in Derbent, Dagestan, sharing kisses and taking selfies, actions that were captured and broadcast on Russian public television.
Taking advantage of the celebrations for the Day of Sacrifice and wishing to congratulate the Muslims of the region, Putin received a special gift, a Koran, the sacred text of Islam.
During his visit to Derbent, a city located two thousand kilometers from Moscow, the Russian president explored an ancient citadel and a historic mosque. There he claimed to have the support of the population of all Russia.
Putin usually keeps a certain distance in his public appearances and his direct contact with people has been further limited due to the pandemic, including during his meetings with international leaders, whom he often places at distant tables.
However, the Prigozhin-led mutiny left him in a weakened position, something the Kremlin leader cannot afford.
In his speech on Monday night, once the rebellion had been subdued, Putin turned to the Russians, making it clear that only he could protect them from chaos. He praised the unity and support of the people, although all were able to watch as Wagner’s mercenaries advanced from Rostov-on-Don towards Moscow, meeting no significant resistance.
Despite the air attacks they suffered and shooting down several planes, Prigozhin’s fighters were hailed as heroes by the people returning to Rostov-on-Don, after the Wagner leader ordered their withdrawal to avoid further violence.
Putin has thanked the country’s military for their support and credited them with averting a civil war, all in order to get closer to the Russian military. Now he has launched a witch hunt to identify those who failed him.
Unofficial reports say that General Surovikin is under arrest and, in fact, has not appeared in public since last weekend.
