Satellite images appear to show build-up at Wagner base in Belarus

[Bernardo de La Paz]

9. I think froggy Lukashenko has a Prigozhin scorpion on his back now

This was billed as, and Lukashenko is spinning it as, a diplomatic triumph by him. But now I'm thinking Putin foisted Prigozhin off onto Luka like he foisted tactical nukes onto him.

Putin is hoping Wagner in Belarus will tie up some Ukranian troops, just in case Prigozhin goes haywire in their direction.

But I do not think the whole coup attempt (capture the generals attempt) was a rigged kabuki show between Prigozhin and Putin, and especially not to simply get some Wagners stationed near Kiev. I think Putin did not kill Prigo, out of fondness. On the other hand, he is glad to have him out of his hair and Wagner broken into smaller pieces.