- Putin Sends Condolences for Prigozhin’s Presumed Death
- Prigozhin’s Role in the Ukraine Conflict and His Recent Activities
- Speculation and Suspicions Surrounding the Plane Crash
The president described Prigozhin as “a person with a complicated background who made serious mistakes in his life” but also noted that he was a successful businessman.
Putin has offered his condolences to the family of plane crash victim Yevgeny Prigozhin.
Since the 1990s, the Russian president has known Prigozhin as a talented businessman.
This is Mr. Putin’s first reaction on the jet crash north of Moscow yesterday that killed all 10 passengers.
Prigozhin’s death, if confirmed, would strengthen Mr. Putin in the near term, as it would remove a powerful figure who played an instrumental role in the invasion of Ukraine and criticized Russia’s top military officials.
The mercenary commander had led a brief rebellion in June, demanding the dismissal of defense minister Sergei Shoigu as he marched his fighters towards Moscow before halting their advance.
Prigozhin’s right-hand man, Dmitry Utkin, his security director, Valeriy Chekalov, and other lieutenants were suspected.
It is unknown why so many high-ranking Wagner members, who are ordinarily extremely security-conscious, were on the same flight.
Mr. Putin stated in televised remarks that their “significant contribution” to the Ukraine conflict will not be forgotten.
According to Mr. Putin, Prigozhin had only just returned from Africa yesterday and then met with Russian officials in Moscow.
Mr. Putin anticipates that additional details will emerge “soon” as a result of a preliminary investigation into the incident.
Not confirmed Russian media indicates that the crash site corpses are charred and deformed, requiring DNA identification. Vehicles have been removing the corpses.
Some Western experts believe that Mr. Putin may have ordered the assassination of Prigozhin. The president has been widely accused of involvement in the tragedy. This is not verifiable.
Two US officials believe a Russian surface-to-air missile shot down the plane, speaking on condition of anonymity.
Pro-Wagner channels on the Telegram messaging application have also asserted that the jet was intentionally shot down, with some speculating that a bomb was installed on board.
At Wagner’s headquarters in St. Petersburg, Prigozhin’s supporters have erected a makeshift memorial.
Sergei Mironov, leader of the pro-Kremlin Fair Russia party, wrote on social media, “Prigozhin tampered with too many individuals in Russia, Ukraine, and the West. It appears that his number of enemies attained a critical point at some point.”
Several of Mr. Putin’s critics and opponents have been fatally injured or killed in apparent assassination attempts, with German foreign minister Annalena Baerbock stating that it is “no coincidence” that the Kremlin is being blamed.
“We are familiar with this pattern… in Putin’s Russia – suspicious suicides and falls from windows that are ultimately unexplained,” she continued.
Volodymyr Zelenskyy denied Ukraine’s involvement in the plane accident, stating, “We had nothing to do with it.” Everyone recognizes who does”.
