Prigozhin and the long and infamous history of failed Russian rebellions 

Whatever Yevgeny Prigozhin intended his rebellion to achieve, it proved short and senseless. Less than 24 hours after he sent his tanks and troops trundling along the main highway towards Moscow, the mercenary chief was persuaded to turn them around and take refuge himself in Belarus. The question now is what will happen in the next act, particularly whether the failed mutiny will leave Russian President Vladimir Putin weakened, strengthened or vindictive.

Mr Putin initially went on television and vowed to crush the rebellion, which he branded as “treason”, “betrayal” and “mutiny”. Witnesses filmed Russian attack helicopters blasting the rebel convoy and ditches being dug along the road ahead to prevent their advance.