Quiet Funeral for Master of Self-Publicity: Yevgeny Prigozhin Laid to Rest
ST PETERSBURG, Russia – Yevgeny Prigozhin, the notorious Russian mercenary chief known for his self-publicizing style, was quietly buried in a leafy cemetery on the outskirts of St Petersburg on Tuesday. The funeral, held six days after his death in an unexplained plane crash, was kept away from the media’s attention, in stark contrast to Prigozhin’s brazen reputation for ruthlessness and ambition.
According to his press service, the farewell to Prigozhin took place in a closed format, with only close friends and family in attendance. The ceremony lasted just 40 minutes and was held at the Porokhovskoye cemetery. Photos and videos taken by Reuters showed Prigozhin’s grave adorned with flowers, with a strong presence of police officers and members of the Rosgvardiya national guard nearby.
The secrecy surrounding the funeral prevented it from becoming a large-scale public event to show support for Prigozhin, who was both feared and admired in Russia for his involvement in the war in Ukraine and his outspoken criticism of the Russian military and its leadership.
In Washington, the White House press secretary, Karine Jean-Pierre, suggested that the Kremlin may have been behind Prigozhin’s death. She stated, “We all know that the Kremlin has a long history of killing opponents. It’s very clear what happened here.”
Prigozhin, along with two top lieutenants of his Wagner group and four bodyguards, was among the 10 people who died in the plane crash of his private jet on August 23. His death came two months after he staged a brief mutiny against the Russian defense establishment, posing a significant challenge to President Vladimir Putin’s rule.
The Kremlin has vehemently denied any involvement in Prigozhin’s death, dismissing the suggestion as an “absolute lie.” It was announced earlier that President Putin would not attend the funeral.
Prigozhin, often referred to as “Putin’s chef” due to his catering company’s Kremlin contracts, had gained a reputation for his brutal tactics and loyalty to Putin. However, he openly criticized the Russian defense minister, Sergei Shoigu, whom he deemed incompetent.
Following Prigozhin’s death, Putin ordered Wagner fighters to pledge allegiance to the Russian state, a move that Prigozhin had opposed due to his dissatisfaction with the defense ministry’s handling of the Ukraine war.
The fate of Prigozhin’s extensive business empire, including his mercenary operations in various African countries, remains uncertain. He had struck significant mining deals for gold and diamonds, serving the Kremlin’s interests in competition with other global powers.
The funeral of Valery Chekalov, the head of Wagner logistics, who also died in the plane crash, was held earlier at a different St Petersburg cemetery. Dozens of people, including Wagner mercenaries and employees from Prigozhin’s business empire, attended the burial.
The death of Prigozhin and his associates has left many questions unanswered, leaving behind a legacy of secrecy and intrigue surrounding his life and operations.
Written by Mark Trevelyan and Guy Faulconbridge; Edited by Jon Boyle, Alex Richardson, and Alistair Bell
What potential connections might there be between Nents, dissidents, and Yevgeny Prigozhin’s untimely demise?
Nents and dissidents, and it wouldn’t be surprising if they were responsible for Yevgeny Prigozhin’s untimely demise.”
Prigozhin gained notoriety as the founder of the Wagner Group, a private military company that has been involved in conflicts in Syria, Ukraine, and other regions. He was often seen as a close ally of Russian President Vladimir Putin and was even dubbed “Putin’s chef” due to his catering company’s work for the Russian leader.
Despite his controversial reputation, Prigozhin had a talent for self-promotion, regularly boasting about his involvement in military operations and stirring up controversy with his bold statements. He embraced this public persona, often posing for photos in military gear and organizing lavish events to showcase his wealth and power.
However, his funeral was a stark departure from his larger-than-life image. It was a private affair, attended by a select few, and completely shielded from the prying eyes of the media. The quick, low-key ceremony at the Porokhovskoye cemetery reflected a desire to keep Prigozhin’s passing under wraps, avoiding any potential spectacle or public display of mourning.
The heavy security presence surrounding his grave further highlighted the secretive nature of the event and hinted at the potential risks associated with Prigozhin’s actions and associations. The presence of police officers and members of the Rosgvardiya national guard served as a reminder that Prigozhin’s activities had not gone unnoticed and that he had made many enemies along the way.
The speculation surrounding Prigozhin’s death has only added to the intrigue surrounding his funeral. With the White House press secretary suggesting Kremlin involvement, questions continue to swirl about the circumstances leading to the plane crash and whether it was a deliberate act. Prigozhin’s death, if indeed the result of foul play, once again highlights the political turbulence and risks associated with those who challenge the powers that be in Russia.
As the funeral concludes and Prigozhin is laid to rest, it remains to be seen what the future holds for his empire and his legacy. His death marks the end of an era characterized by personal ambition, audacity, and controversy. It also serves as a somber reminder of the dangers and consequences that accompany a life lived in the spotlight, where self-promotion can bring both fame and notoriety.
What a fascinating and somewhat ironic final chapter for someone known for their self-publicity.
Wow, I never expected to see the master of self-publicity having a quiet farewell. Truly a surprising turn of events.