Yevgeniy Prigozhin, Leader of Wagner Group And A Competitor To Putin, Maybe Identified in Plane Crash
Uncertainty Surrounds Fate of Prigozhin, a Controversial Figure in Russian Politics
In a tragic turn of events, Yevgeniy Prigozhin, the prominent leader of the Wagner mercenary group and a recent challenger to Russian President Vladimir Putin’s authority, has reportedly been listed as a passenger on a plane that crashed near Moscow.
The crash, which resulted in the deaths of all individuals on board, occurred two months after Prigozhin’s audacious attempt to challenge Putin’s rule. While the Russian aviation authorities have confirmed Prigozhin’s presence on the flight manifest, there has been no official confirmation of his death from Russian or U.S. officials.
Yevgeniy Prigozhin, leader of the Wagner mercenary group and a challenger to Russian President Vladimir Putin, was reportedly listed as a passenger on a plane that crashed near Moscow, resulting in the deaths of all ten individuals on board. Two months after Prigozhin’s failed mutiny against Putin’s rule, the crash occurred.
The Russian aviation authorities confirmed his name on the flight manifest, although Russian or U.S. officials did not confirm his death. A Telegram channel associated with Wagner urged caution in sharing unverified information about Prigozhin’s fate.
After these reports, a Wagner-linked Telegram channel, Grey Zone, posted an obituary for Prigozhin, referring to him as a “Hero of Russia” and a patriot who died due to actions against Russia. If confirmed, Prigozhin’s death would mark a significant downfall for a figure who transitioned from being a convict to a warlord, playing a role in expanding Russian influence in various regions.
Prigozhin’s challenge to Putin’s authority in June, during which he pulled his forces back from the Ukrainian front lines toward Moscow, shocked Russia’s elite and posed a unique threat to Putin. Earlier, U.S. President Biden speculated that Prigozhin might be a target for assassination, given his history of opposition.
The circumstances of the crash were accompanied by speculation, with eyewitnesses reporting explosions before the plane’s crash. The crash involved an Embraer business jet flying from Moscow to St. Petersburg. The confusion over the identities of the casualties added to the uncertainty.
Prigozhin, known for his controversial tactics and humor, had recruited prisoners for the conflict in Ukraine, deploying them in near-suicidal attacks. He had previously been critical of Russia’s military failures and had a complex relationship with Putin.
Despite caution about prematurely accepting the news, experts noted that Prigozhin had body doubles and multiple passports, and thus, confirmation of his death might be challenging. Pro-Kremlin figures dismissed the notion that Russian authorities were behind his potential assassination, suggesting alternative scenarios involving Ukraine. The incident could have implications for Russia’s internal dynamics and military leadership.
I am Hamza Shafiq. I write about facts, poems, history, and entertainment follow and subscribe so you can get the best experience of writing
Follow my referral link for more interesting stories tips and more