U.s. it is been an extraordinary 48 hours in russia as the world watched what president putin called an armed rebellion. the rebel leader prigozhin was the top caterer before he threw away his kitchen apron and now wears military fatigues as the head of wagner group which has provided mercenaries in africa and the middle east and a key player in russia s war against ukraine. according to statements from the russian government, the criminal case against prigozhin was dropped yesterday after he agreed to leave russia and go to belarus. let me bring in matthew chance in moscow. good to have you. what is the mood in moscow? well, i mean, that is a great question. because yesterday the mood was extremely anxious. it was bracing itself for, the
Butts, is there now an opportunity with what the wagner group leader prigozhin has come out and criticize russia s military criticized russian leaders. is there a chance now for the u.s. to telegraph to china this alliance with russia if it gets any tighter is going to be a losing one? should we use this moment in a conversation with china? i think secretary blinken did telegraphed that in his meeting in china. so yes absolutely. we want china to recognize russia is not a good partner and russia is done invading sovereignty of an independent state, that something china does not want to be on that side. so yes we have made it very clear they need to stop their support for russia. and certainly not increase the amount of help they give in that country. he referenced secretary blinken s visit there is and why wanted to accomplish as a military to military communication that is very important to avoid things escalate out of control.