Yevgeny Prigozhin, previously a low-profile businessman with ties to President Vladimir Putin, has recently gained international attention due to his involvement in Russia’s war in Ukraine. As the leader of the Wagner Group, a mercenary force that has been active in Ukraine, Prigozhin has taken on a more dangerous role by openly criticizing the leadership of Russia’s military and calling for an armed uprising against the defense minister.
The Kremlin has taken Prigozhin’s threat seriously, with security forces increasing security measures in Moscow in response. Prigozhin, who has a criminal past and has previously worked as a hot dog vendor, has urged Russians to join his “march to justice.” His close relationship with Putin dates back many years, with both men being born in Leningrad (now St. Petersburg). Putin has supported Prigozhin’s business ventures, including his catering company and factory, and Prigozhin has gained the nickname “Putin’s chef” for his catering services to the Kremlin.
Prigozhin also owns the Wagner Group, a mercenary force that has been accused of human rights abuses in conflict zones around the world, particularly in Africa. The group has allegedly provided security services to national leaders in exchange for lucrative payments, sometimes including natural resources. There is evidence to suggest that Wagner forces have been involved in the war in Ukraine, fighting alongside the Russian army.
Prigozhin has openly criticized Russia’s military leadership, accusing them of incompetence and neglecting the needs of his mercenaries on the front lines in Ukraine. This criticism is highly unusual in Russia’s tightly controlled political system, where only Putin has the freedom to voice such opinions. Despite Putin reaffirming his trust in the military leadership and putting them in charge of the forces in Ukraine, Prigozhin has remained defiant.
Prigozhin has also faced scrutiny in the United States, where he and several other individuals were charged with operating a covert social media campaign aimed at influencing the 2016 election. The US Treasury Department has sanctioned him multiple times in connection with these allegations. Despite this, Prigozhin has shown little concern, sarcastically remarking that if Americans want to see him as a devil, they can.
While Prigozhin has become more vocal in his criticism of Russia’s military, he has not faced any repercussions from Putin. Although there have been speculations about his political ambitions and influence over Putin, it is important not to overestimate his power within the Russian political landscape.
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