With the collapse of the Wagner Group mutiny, speculation on Russia's future is shaping up to be a political satire rather than anything based on the country's historical patterns.
Wagner Group chief Yevgeny Prigozhin surfaced in Belarus Tuesday, days after leading the disruptive but aborted armed uprising that rocked the government of Russian President Vladimir Putin.
China's leadership is closely watching recent events in Russia, concerned that a similar military revolt may erupt in Beijing, a senior White House official said Monday.
The only thing that seemed clear is that the fallout from the aborted, semi-coup staged by Wagner Group mercenary chief Yevgeny Prigozhin's forces is certain to be felt for months to come.
On June 6, China and Russia conducted a joint aerial patrol over the Sea of Japan and the East China Sea, the third such joint air patrol since Vladimir Putin launched his invasion of Ukraine in February 2022.