Daily Skimm: A failed rebellion against the Russian government has many asking ‘what now?’

Aftermath

The Story

A failed rebellion against the Russian government has many asking ‘what now?’

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Over the weekend, a Russian mercenary force — the Wagner Group — launched an armed rebellion against the Kremlin. Tensions between the force and Russian military leaders had been building for weeks over the war in Ukraine. Things came to a head last week when mercenary leader Yevgeny Prigozhin accused Russia’s military of attacking a Wagner camp. Prigozhin ordered his troops to march to Moscow and took control of a key Russian military command base. However, the uprising ended soon after it started. Belarus — a key Russian ally — mediated and negotiated a last-minute deal between Prigozhin and Russian President Vladimir Putin.

What happens now?

Prigozhin has agreed to go into exile in Belarus, and Wagner fighters have retreated. The Kremlin said it would take no legal action against Prigozhin or the mercenary force. Meanwhile, the short-lived rebellion is raising questions about Putin's leadership and the war in Ukraine. Experts say the series of events has damaged the Russian president's image. Secretary of State Antony Blinken called the Wagner Group's revolt a “direct challenge” to Putin's authority. Others are wondering if another uprising could happen again in the future, especially given how harshly Putin has dealt with dissidents and critics in the past.

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The insurrection against Putin might’ve failed, but experts are calling it a weakness in Russia's leadership. Meanwhile, many are hoping this could be the beginning of the end of the war in Ukraine.

What's still looking for answers...

The US Coast Guard. Yesterday, it announced an investigation into the deadly submersible implosion. The guard’s marine board investigation will aim to uncover what caused the vessel to implode and kill all five people on board. Investigators have teamed up with Canadian authorities to collect evidence. Once the investigation is complete, the board can recommend civil or criminal sanctions to the necessary authorities. The chief investigator said the goal's to prevent a similar tragedy by enhancing safety.

Who’s claiming victory…

Greece’s Kyriakos Mitsotakis. Yesterday, he won a second term as prime minister after his New Democracy Party gained more than half of the seats in parliament. The election comes nearly a month after political parties failed to get the majority needed to take power. Greek voters had a lot to think about as they headed to the polls, including a deadly train crash and the country's hard stance on immigration. However, it looks like Greece's economic struggles topped voters' list of concerns. Now, Mitsotakis — who ran on a platform to boost the economy — says “major reforms will go ahead with speed.”

Where the stars showed out…

The 2023 BET Awards. Yesterday, the awards celebrated 50 years of hip-hop. Among the big moments of the night: Quavo and Offset reuniting to honor Takeoff, Coco Jones winning best new artist, and Latto earning best female hip-hop artist.

Why Gen Zers are packing their bags…

Work-life balance. Over the weekend, a report found that more young Americans are chasing the “American dream” in Europe. C’est la vie.

While some adults are swapping out swiping for speed dating…

Others are finding comfort in Squishmallows.

Who’s got some “Champagne Poetry”...

Drake.