WASHINGTON - U.S. State Secretary Antony Blinken expressed that the recent challenge posed by Wagner fighters to Russian President Vladimir Putin has revealed new vulnerabilities in his leadership.

According to Blinken, these weaknesses may unfold over a period of weeks or months. In interviews with television networks, Blinken and members of the U.S. Congress discussed how the events on Saturday have diminished Putin's power, potentially assisting Ukraine in its efforts to counter Russian forces within its borders. They also mentioned that this situation could be advantageous for neighboring countries such as Poland and the Baltic states.

During an appearance on ABC's "This Week" program, Blinken remarked, "I believe there is more to come, and this is not the final chapter," following a failed uprising led by Yevgeny Prigozhin. He further highlighted that the tensions leading to this incident had been escalating for several months and emphasized that the internal turmoil could impact Russia's military capabilities in Ukraine.

On NBC's "Meet the Press" program, Blinken expressed, "We are witnessing the emergence of additional cracks in Russia's façade. It is premature to determine their ultimate consequences and timing. However, Putin will undoubtedly confront a range of new challenges in the coming weeks and months."

According to Blinken, the recent turmoil in Russia is regarded as an "internal matter" for Putin to address. He reiterated that the United States' primary focus remains on Ukraine, ensuring that it receives the necessary support to defend itself and reclaim territories seized by Russia.

Blinken mentioned that U.S. officials anticipate gaining more insights in the near future regarding the events that unfolded in Russia, including specific details about the agreement reached between Prigozhin and Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko, which resulted in the Wagner fighters returning to their bases.

Speculating on the situation, Blinken suggested, "It is possible that Putin did not want to lower himself to the level of directly negotiating with Prigozhin."

Forces led by Yevgeny Prigozhin, a former ally of Putin and a convicted criminal, have been involved in intense battles during Russia's 16-month war in Ukraine. According to Blinken, the distraction and division among Russian forces may hinder their aggression against Ukraine. House Intelligence Committee Chairman Mike Turner added that Prigozhin's denial of the initial rationale for invading Ukraine could impede Putin's ability to justify further loss of Russian lives.

Retired U.S. Air Force General Philip Breedlove stated that the recent turmoil in Russia reflects a decline in its military capabilities, leading to the unraveling of once secure institutions. He emphasized the diminished perception of the Russian military. U.S. Senator Ben Cardin stressed that despite the events in Russia, it remains crucial for the United States to continue supporting Ukraine during its long-awaited counteroffensive against Russia.

Representative Don Bacon, a former U.S. Air Force general and member of the House Armed Services Committee, highlighted that a weakened Putin would benefit neighboring countries like Finland, Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania, and Poland. He noted that Putin's aggressive intentions prevent a peaceful coexistence.