Mystery Surrounding Russian Mercenary Group Wagner Chief’s Death in Plane Crash

Yevgeny Prigozhin, the chief of the Russian private mercenary group Wagner, has been confirmed as one of the 10 people killed in a plane crash last week, according to Russian investigators. The crash occurred in the Tver region northwest of Moscow, and the identities of all 10 victims have now been established through genetic tests.

There had been speculation about whether Prigozhin was really on the doomed flight, especially on pro-Wagner Telegram channels. Prigozhin was known to take various security precautions due to concerns about his safety. Authorities have not yet determined the cause of the crash.

The plane crash occurred two months after Prigozhin and his Wagner mercenaries staged a mutiny against Russian military commanders. They took control of the southern city of Rostov and advanced towards Moscow before turning back 200 km from the capital. The mutiny was described by President Vladimir Putin as a treacherous “stab in the back.”

Muscovites paid their respects to Prigozhin and his right-hand man Dmitry Utkin, who also died in the crash, by laying flowers at a makeshift shrine near the Kremlin. Many praised Prigozhin for his actions during the mutiny and considered him a hero.

Western politicians and commentators have suggested, without evidence, that Putin ordered Prigozhin’s killing as punishment for the mutiny. However, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov dismissed these claims as “an absolute lie.” Putin sent his condolences to the families of those killed in the crash.

Wagner fighters, led by Prigozhin, played a significant role in the fighting in eastern Ukraine, particularly during the siege of the city of Bakhmut. Despite Prigozhin’s criticisms of Russia’s military high command, the Wagner fighters have now left Ukraine and some have relocated to Belarus under the terms of a deal that ended their mutiny.

While some Wagner fighters are expected to join Russia’s armed forces, many are likely to be upset by the sudden death of their founder, who inspired a high degree of loyalty among his men. Putin described Prigozhin as a “talented businessman” but also acknowledged his flaws and mistakes.

The investigation into the plane crash is ongoing, and authorities have not yet released any information about the cause of the accident.

How does the confirmation of Yevgeny Prigozhin’s presence on the aircraft impact the theory that he faked his own death?

Flight, as some reports suggested that he may have faked his own death. However, the Russian authorities have now confirmed his presence on the aircraft, which was a private jet that belonged to his company, Concord Catering.

Prigozhin is a controversial figure who has been on the radar of both Russian and international authorities. He is believed to be a close ally of Russian President Vladimir Putin, and has been implicated in various activities, including running a troll farm that meddled in the 2016 US presidential election.

Wagner, the private military company that Prigozhin is associated with, has been accused of carrying out covert operations in foreign countries, particularly in Africa and the Middle East. It is believed to have close ties with the Russian government and has been involved in conflicts in Ukraine and Syria.

The plane crash has raised questions about the nature of Wagner’s operations and its relationship with the Russian state. Critics argue that the group operates as a proxy force for the Russian government, allowing it to pursue its interests without officially engaging in military action. The crash has also highlighted the dangers faced by members of the private military industry, who operate with little oversight and often in volatile environments.

The investigation into the crash is still ongoing, but initial findings suggest that it was caused by technical issues rather than foul play. The Russian authorities have not provided further details about the exact circumstances of the crash.

The death of Prigozhin is unlikely to have a significant impact on Wagner’s activities, as the group is believed to have a robust hierarchy and infrastructure. However, it may lead to renewed scrutiny of the company’s operations and potentially put pressure on the Russian government to provide more transparency and accountability for its involvement in conflicts abroad.

Overall, the plane crash and the confirmation of Yevgeny Prigozhin’s death have shed light on the secretive world of private military companies and their connections to the Russian state. It remains to be seen whether this will lead to any meaningful changes in the way these groups operate and are regulated.