Yevgeny Prigozhin, the founder of the Wagner Group, has left Russia and halted his advance into Moscow after rebelling against the Russian government. The 62-year-old Prigozhin left Russia on the 24th of June at the mediation of Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko. An Associated Press photo captured him moving in a military vehicle in front of the Russian Southern Military District Headquarters in Rostov-on-Dou, which was controlled by the Wagner group. Prigozhin is said to have left for Belarus, effectively ending his long relationship with Russian President Vladimir Putin.
Prigozhin was born in Leningrad (now Saint Petersburg) in 1961 and shares the same hometown as President Putin. He had a troubled past, being arrested for theft and fraud in 1981 and serving nine years in prison before being released in 1990. After his release, Prigozhin quickly made money by selling hot dogs in the Leningrad market and expanded his business to supermarkets, casinos, and luxury restaurants. It is believed that his relationship with Putin began during Putin’s time as the head of the Foreign Relations Committee and deputy mayor of St. Petersburg.
Prigozhin’s close relationship with Putin allowed him to win catering business contracts with the Russian government and military, earning him the nickname “Putin’s chef.” However, he also faced controversy, with his Internet Research Agency (IRA) being suspected of interfering in the 2016 US presidential election to support Donald Trump. Prigozhin co-founded the Wagner Group with Dmitry Utkin, a former Chechen war commander. The Wagner Group gained notoriety for its brutality in various conflicts in the Middle East, Africa, and Ukraine.
In recent weeks, Prigozhin’s relationship with the Russian ruling class deteriorated. He criticized Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu and Chief of the General Staff Valery Gerasimov, blaming them for the military’s incompetence in the war in Ukraine. Prigozhin even threatened to withdraw from the eastern battlefield, Bahmut, due to the Ministry of Defense’s failure to supply ammunition. In response, Minister Shoigu issued an order that all irregular forces, including the Wagner Group, must contract with the Ministry of National Defense.
President Putin eventually sided with Shoigu, supporting the Ministry of Defense’s policy. This led to interpretations that Prigozhin was defeated in a power struggle. The fate of Prigozhin, whom Putin has labeled a “traitor,” is uncertain. Russia expert Jill Doherty believes that Putin does not forgive traitors and speculates that Prigozhin could be assassinated in Belarus.
As Prigozhin leaves Russia, the Wagner Group is likely to disband, with its mercenaries potentially being absorbed by the Ministry of Defense. Some mercenaries may disperse, while others may seek asylum and provide information to Ukraine. The loyalty of the Wagner Group’s mercenaries lies with Prigozhin rather than the country or mission, according to a former U.S. Army major.
The departure of Prigozhin marks the end of a long-standing relationship between him and Putin, which began in the 1990s. It remains to be seen what the future holds for Prigozhin and the Wagner Group as they face uncertain times.
How did Yevgeny Prigozhin acquire his wealth and what role did his connection with Putin play in his success?
Yevgeny Prigozhin, the founder of the Wagner Group, has departed from Russia and abandoned his plans to move further into Moscow after rebelling against the Russian government. The 62-year-old Prigozhin left Russia on June 24th with the help of Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko. A photo from the Associated Press showed him leaving in a military vehicle in front of the Russian Southern Military District Headquarters in Rostov-on-Don, which was under the control of the Wagner group. Prigozhin is reportedly heading to Belarus, effectively ending his longstanding association with Russian President Vladimir Putin.
Born in Leningrad (now Saint Petersburg) in 1961, Prigozhin shares his hometown with President Putin. He had a troubled past, having been arrested for theft and fraud in 1981 and serving nine years in prison before being released in 1990. Following his release, Prigozhin quickly amassed wealth by selling hot dogs in the Leningrad market and expanded his business interests to include supermarkets, casinos, and high-end restaurants. It is believed that his connection with Putin began during Putin’s time as the head of the Foreign Relations Committee and deputy mayor of St. Petersburg.
Prigozhin’s close ties with Putin allowed him to secure catering contracts with the Russian government and military, earning him the moniker “Putin’s chef.” However, he also encountered conflicts and allegations of wrongdoing.
Yevgeny Prigozhin’s journey from rebel leader to exiled outcast is a cautionary tale of how power and influence can be fleeting. His rise to prominence was marked by controversy, only to be followed by a swift downfall that highlights the consequences of excessive ambition. It serves as a stark reminder that one’s reputation is always vulnerable to the tides of public opinion and the consequences of questionable actions.
Yevgeny Prigozhin’s journey from rebel leader to exiled outcast is a testament to the fickleness of power and the consequences of manipulating it. A cautionary tale highlighting the ephemeral nature of influence, it serves as a reminder that one’s actions have a tendency to catch up with them eventually.