EU urges caution as mercenary revolt raises doubts about Russian Prez's grip on power

European Union ministers urged caution on Monday over a failed revolt by mercenary soldiers in Russia.

This came after the incident raised troubling questions about Russian President Vladimir Putin’s grip on power and whether Wagner group fighters might install themselves just over the border in Belarus.

At the talks in Luxembourg, some EU foreign ministers likened the short-lived uprising led by Wagner Group leader Yevgeny Prigozhin to Putin unleashing Frankenstein’s monster of his own creation, and to some powerful and evil spirit.

But several others, concerned that they might be seen to be offering support, were at pains to point out that the revolt remains an internal Russian affair, and that many questions remain unanswered, including Prigozhin’s precise whereabouts and whether he may be taking troops with him.

Most seemed to agree that the incident will have security implications for Europe and that the important thing is to help Ukraine take advantage of the situation.