> of course the Five Eyes countries are involved, they are not passive, that would be suicidal
The CIA being involved and the CIA cutting a deal with Prighozin are night and day. Of course NATO intelligence is involved. But the only reason to talk to Prighozin about a deal would be to string him along so you can extract info.
>but the only reason to talk to Prighozin about a deal would be to string him along so you can extract info
There are rumors that Ukraine actually did exactly this. There are also rumors that he gave them positions of high ranking members of the military for HIMARS strikes.
The CIA being involved and the CIA cutting a deal with Prighozin are night and day. Of course NATO intelligence is involved. But the only reason to talk to Prighozin about a deal would be to string him along so you can extract info.