Podcast Summary
LinkedIn is a popular platform for hiring professionals: 70% of LinkedIn users aren't found on other job sites, making it an effective resource for recruiters.
LinkedIn is a valuable resource for hiring professionals, as over 70% of its users don't visit other leading job sites. Sandra, a potential candidate, emphasizes this point, explaining that she wasn't found through other means but was discovered on LinkedIn, despite not actively looking for a new job. Meanwhile, in other news, Mint Mobile is making headlines by reducing its prices in response to inflation, offering unlimited data for $15 a month. In Russia, the death of Evgeny Prigozhin, the chief of Russia's Wagner mercenaries, has raised questions about his recent falling out with President Putin. Prigozhin, who had become more of a critic of Russia's leadership, was reportedly killed when his plane was blown out of the sky. As a Russia expert and Times contributor, Alida Naylor provides insights into this developing story, noting that Prigozhin's death comes after a series of tensions between him and Putin.
Russian Businessman's Private Jet Crashes, Raising Suspicions: A Russian businessman with ties to Putin experienced an unexplained plane crash, fueling speculation about potential involvement from Ukraine or other sources, but the investigation's credibility is in question.
The crash of a private jet carrying Yevgeniy Prigozhin, a Russian businessman with close ties to Vladimir Putin, raised suspicions and speculation about potential involvement in the incident. Prigozhin's connection to Putin through his father, who was Putin's political mentor, added intrigue to the situation. The plane, an Embraer Legacy 650, was one of two Wagner Jets in Russian skies and crashed 180 miles north of Moscow while flying from Moscow to Saint Petersburg. Witnesses reported hearing two loud noises before the crash, and the flight radar data showed the plane was ascending prior to the crash. The cause of the crash remains unclear, with reports suggesting it could have been explosions on board. Prigozhin's deputy, Dmitry Butkin, was also on the passenger list. Early speculation suggested Ukrainian involvement, but without definitive information, it's impossible to confirm this theory. The investigation into the crash is being led by Russia's investigative committee, but its results are unlikely to be trustworthy.
From Thug to Trusted Ally: Prigozhin's Complex Relationship with Putin: Prigozhin, a former violent thug, gained Putin's trust through business deals and later established Wagner, a mercenary group accused of human rights violations and disinformation campaigns, which became an illicit but vital part of Russia's military armory, leading to tensions with the military and fears of civil war.
The relationship between Yevgeny Prigozhin and Russian President Vladimir Putin has been complex and significant, with Prigozhin starting out as a violent thug but gaining Putin's trust through his initiative. Prigozhin's company, Concord, won big catering contracts from the Russian state, and later he established the mercenary group Wagner. While Wagner has been accused of human rights violations and disinformation campaigns, it has also aligned with Russia's political and economic goals. Prigozhin has denied his connection to Wagner's activities, but he publicly admitted his role in 2021 and attempted to recruit prisoners for the group. Wagner became an illicit but vital part of Russia's military armory, but tensions between the military and Wagner came to a head in a dramatic coup attempt in June 2022, raising fears of a civil war in Russia.
A coup attempt by Wagner Group led by Yevgeny Prigozhin driven by military failures and desire for recognition: Yevgeny Prigozhin, head of Wagner Group, attempted a coup due to military failures in Ukraine and a need for independence, using public persona and criticisms to gain support, but Putin swiftly condemned it as a betrayal
The attempted coup in Russia, led by Yevgeny Prigozhin and his Wagner Group, was likely driven by a combination of frustration with military failures in Ukraine and a desire for greater recognition and independence. Prigozhin, who had previously operated outside the system, cultivated a public persona through pro-war bloggers and Telegram channels, using videos from the battleground to present himself as an effective leader. His criticisms of those in command, while initially implicit, grew bolder in the lead up to the coup. Prigozhin may have also felt cornered by the requirement for his volunteer units to sign contracts with the Russian defense ministry, which would have meant losing his independence and control over the Wagner Group. Putin's reaction was swift and condemning, labeling the mutiny a betrayal of the Russian people without directly mentioning Prigozhin by name.
Putin's opponents still hold influence despite exile: Despite being exiled, some Russian opponents like Yevgeny Prigozhin continue to meet with Putin and wield influence, highlighting the complexity of power struggles within Russia and the potential risks in neighboring countries.
Despite Putin publicly labeling his opponents as unworthy of his attention and exiling them, some, like Yevgeny Prigozhin, continue to have significant influence and even meet with Putin. Prigozhin, who was allegedly exiled to Belarus after a coup attempt, has been recorded in Russia and Africa since the coup, and even had a long meeting with Putin and Wagner leadership in the Kremlin. This surprising development highlights the complexity of Putin's relationships with his opponents and the ongoing power struggles within Russia. The presence of Wagner troops in neighboring countries like Belarus also raises concerns and tensions in the region. This situation underscores the importance of understanding the intricacies of power dynamics in Russia and the resilience of those who are labeled as traitors.
Shopping with discounts and international tensions: Blue Nile offers a discount for jewelry purchases with promo code 'listen'. International leaders from the BRICS summit met, except for Putin due to an arrest warrant. A video of Russian businessman Prigozhin in Africa emerged, and he later died along with other key figures following an attempted coup in Russia.
Blue Nile offers a convenient way to shop for jewelry with a discount using the promo code "listen," while PlushCare provides online access to certified physicians for weight loss plans and FDA-approved medications. Meanwhile, international tensions were in the spotlight as leaders from the BRICS summit met in person, except for Russian President Vladimir Putin due to an arrest warrant. A video emerged of Evgeny Prigozhin, a Russian businessman, in Africa, but the timing of its release and his death raised questions. This week also saw the mysterious deaths of Prigozhin and other key figures following an attempted coup in Russia. Putin, known for his anniversaries, may have been more cautious in handling these situations.
Russia's Wagner group faces leadership changes and backlash: Russia's Wagner group, loyal to Putin, faces leadership changes and backlash after the sudden death of a top figure, leading to speculation of a coup and Putin's handling of succession and Ukraine.
There have been significant developments in Russia this week regarding the Wagner group and its leadership. Colonel General Gennady Dzydko, a former deputy defense minister and a figure sanctioned by the UK, died suddenly last week following a long illness. His death came just a day after he was officially removed from his position, leading to speculation that Russian President Putin is taking steps to clean up loose ends from an attempted coup. The Wagner group, known for its loyalty to Putin, has expressed discontent and vowed to avenge the removal of their leaders. It remains to be seen how this will impact the group and Russia as a whole. Putin is perceived as both stronger and weaker following these events, as he faces questions about succession and Russia's performance in Ukraine. The producer of Stories of Our Times podcast, Sam Chantersak, and contributor, Alida Naylor, discussed these developments in detail, providing analysis and context for listeners.
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