The Wagner Group, led by Prigozhin, marched towards the gates of Moscow, before making a U-Turn after Belarussian leader Lukashenko brokered a peace deal. But what will happen to the 50 thousand Wagner force? How have these events damaged Putin's reputation and his grip on power? And what does it do for the morale of the Russian troops fighting in Ukraine? We speak with Dr Malcolm Davis, Senior Analyst, Australian Strategic Policy Institute to get the answers.



Image by: Shutterstock

The Wagner Group, led by Prigozhin, marched towards the gates of Moscow, before making a U-Turn after Belarussian leader Lukashenko brokered a peace deal. But what will happen to the 50 thousand Wagner force? How have these events damaged Putin's reputation and his grip on power? And what does it do for the morale of the Russian troops fighting in Ukraine? We speak with Dr Malcolm Davis, Senior Analyst, Australian Strategic Policy Institute to get the answers.Image by: Shutterstock

Opinion and analysis of today’s international and local news that matter to Malaysians. Everything you need to know to start and plan your work.

Opinion and analysis of today&rsquo;s international and local news that matter to Malaysians. Everything you need to know to start and plan your work.

Morning Brief

Will Vladimir Putin Retain His Iron Grip On Power After The Wagner Revolt?

Morning Brief - Sep 9, 2026

Nearly 3,000 flights have been disrupted and more than 340,000 passengers affected, after volcanic ash from Mount Anak Krakatau caused widespread disruption to Indonesia’s aviation network. Although several airports have reopened, the situation highlights the wider risks volcanic eruptions can pose to air travel across Southeast Asia.With Malaysia connected to many regional routes, could continued volcanic activity affect our flights or airspace, and what measures are in place to manage the risk?

Image Credit: Shutterstock

Nearly 3,000 flights have been disrupted and more than 340,000 passengers affected, after volcanic ash from Mount Anak Krakatau caused widespread disruption to Indonesia’s aviation network. Although several airports have reopened, the situation highlights the wider risks volcanic eruptions can pose to air travel across Southeast Asia.With Malaysia connected to many regional routes, could continued volcanic activity affect our flights or airspace, and what measures are in place to manage the risk? Image Credit: Shutterstock

Aviation Disruption: Anak Krakatau’s Impact on Malaysia

Malaysia is reportedly considering Huawei’s AI chips for a RM2 billion national data initiative, despite US warnings over the use of advanced Chinese technology. The decision could test Malaysia’s long-standing strategy of balancing relations with Washington and Beijing, particularly as its booming data-centre industry remains heavily connected to American technology. Would embracing Huawei give Malaysia greater technological sovereignty, or risk retaliation from the US and deeper dependence on China’s AI ecosystem?


Image Credit: Shutterstock

Malaysia is reportedly considering Huawei’s AI chips for a RM2 billion national data initiative, despite US warnings over the use of advanced Chinese technology. The decision could test Malaysia’s long-standing strategy of balancing relations with Washington and Beijing, particularly as its booming data-centre industry remains heavily connected to American technology. Would embracing Huawei give Malaysia greater technological sovereignty, or risk retaliation from the US and deeper dependence on China’s AI ecosystem? Image Credit: Shutterstock

Will Vladimir Putin Retain His Iron Grip On Power After The Wagner Revolt?

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