The Kremlin has firmly denied any involvement in the plane crash that presumably killed the notorious mercenary leader Yevgeny Prigozhin. Prigozhin’s fighters were known for their brutality in countries like Ukraine, Africa, and Syria, and had recently staged a mutiny in Russia. President Vladimir Putin eulogized Prigozhin, but suspicions arose that Putin may have orchestrated the crash as an assassination attempt. A preliminary U.S. intelligence assessment suggests that the plane was intentionally exploded, possibly as part of Putin’s ongoing efforts to silence his critics. However, Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov dismissed these allegations as “complete lies.” Despite rumors of Prigozhin’s death, there has been no official confirmation, and investigations are underway.
The presumed demise of Prigozhin could have destabilizing effects on his Wagner Group of private military contractors, according to the British Defense Ministry. Wagner fighters played a crucial role in Russia’s war in Ukraine and have been instrumental in projecting Russian influence in Africa and Syria. When asked about the future of Wagner, Peskov stated that he had no information to share.
The crash, which occurred shortly after takeoff from Moscow, sparked discussions about Putin’s potential involvement. President Joe Biden expressed his belief that Putin was likely behind the incident, citing the Russian leader’s involvement in similar tragic events in Russia. However, Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Sergei Ryabkov criticized Biden’s remarks, stating that it was inappropriate for the U.S. president to comment on such events.
Several high-ranking members of Wagner were reportedly on the flight, although it remains unclear why they would be traveling together. The purpose of their trip to St. Petersburg is unknown. Russian authorities have launched an investigation into the crash, and the wreckage has been removed from the site.
Putin acknowledged the contributions of the passengers to the fighting in Ukraine, noting that they would be remembered. State media in Russia has focused more on Putin’s participation in the BRICS summit and the conflict in Ukraine, rather than extensively covering the crash.
Numerous opponents and critics of Putin have faced assassination attempts or untimely deaths in the past. Many Western officials expected Putin to target Prigozhin, despite his previous promises to drop charges related to the mutiny. Prigozhin had openly criticized Russian generals involved in the war in Ukraine and led a revolt that posed a significant challenge to Putin’s rule. After a deal was reached, the mutiny ended, granting amnesty to Prigozhin and his mercenaries and allowing them to relocate to Belarus.
Following the presumed death of Prigozhin, there have been reports of Wagner fighters fleeing Belarus. People have been paying respects at makeshift memorials near Wagner offices in various cities, including St. Petersburg, Novosibirsk, Yekaterinburg, and Rostov-on-Don.
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