Today's D Brief: UK defense chief in Kyiv; After Putin visit, Kim vows more nukes; Taiwan unveils sub; Robot-wingman flap; And a bit more.
Defense OneJUL 2023
Putin Meets Ex-Wagner Commander Andrei Troshev
Image copyright: [via Kremlin Presidential Press Service]
The Spin
Pro-establishment narrative
Putin's meeting with Troshev underscores how the Kremlin was attempting to show how the state has now taken control of the Wagner mercenary group after its failed rebellion — one of the biggest threats to Putin's leadership in over two decades of power.
Pro-Russia narrative
Putin's meeting with Troshev is a demonstration of the leader's pragmatism in dealing with problems. On this occasion, he wanted to put a capable leader in charge in order to continue putting these experienced fighters to good use in the war against Ukraine.