Brussels: EU's High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, Josep Borrell, issued a warning on Thursday, stating that a "weaker" Russian President Vladimir Putin would pose a "greater danger" in the wake of the aborted mutiny by Wagner, a private military company, which triggered a major political crisis in Russia.

Borrell emphasized the need to acknowledge the potential consequences of a weakened Putin. While Russia has previously been seen as a threat due to its use of force in Ukraine, the focus must now shift to the risk posed by internal instability within the country, according to Borrell.

The recent mutiny led by Wagner's chief, Yevgeny Prigozhin, presented Putin with one of the biggest challenges since he assumed power in 1999. European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen commented on the situation, predicting that there would be "aftershocks" and emphasizing the importance of increasing support for Ukraine, both militarily and financially.

NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg, who was scheduled to have a working lunch with EU leaders, highlighted the cracks and divisions exposed within Russia by the actions of Wagner. However, he cautioned against drawing final conclusions too early. Stoltenberg also revealed that new announcements regarding military support for Ukraine were expected during a NATO meeting next month in Vilnius.

Borrell stressed the necessity for long-term support for Ukraine, both during and after the war. He proposed the creation of a "Ukrainian defense fund" to assist in modernizing the country's army, with a commitment from the EU to ensure Ukraine's security.

Lithuanian President Gitanas Nauseda echoed Borrell's concerns, calling for decisive action to confront the Russian threat. Nauseda disagreed with the notion that a strong Putin would be less dangerous than a weak one, emphasizing the potential security repercussions of any changes in Russia's political system.