After receiving confirmation from the media connected to Wagner, it was reported that Yevgeny Prigozhin, associated with Wagner Group, was on the ill-fated jet when it crashed in Russia after departing from Vagner. Dmitry Utkin, a suspicious individual involved in assisting Prigozhin and managing Wagner’s operations, was also traveling on the plane with Wagner’s leader.
Media connected to Wagner stated that Yevgeny Prigozhin, the founder of the Wagner Group, was on a business jet that crashed in Russia on Wednesday. Russian aviation authorities also confirmed that Prigozhin was on the flight.
More about Prigozhin
In the accident, all 10 people on board, including three members of the crew, were killed. Russian state news agency RIA Novosti reported that after the initial investigation, eight bodies were found at the crash site.
“According to the airline, the following passengers were on Embraer-135 (E145BJ) flight:… Prigozhin, Yevgeny,” said Russia’s aviation agency Rosaviatsiya.
Rosaviatsiya also stated that Dmitry Utkin, a suspicious individual involved in assisting Prigozhin and managing Wagner’s operations, was traveling on the plane with Wagner’s leader.
While Prigozhin’s death was confirmed by the Wagner-affiliated Telegram channel Grey Zone, it also depicted him as a hero and a patriot. The message further asserted that unidentified people known as “Russia’s traitors” were responsible for orchestrating his killing.With the help of QuillBot’s paraphraser, you can rapidly and effectively rework and rephrase your content by taking your sentences and making adjustments!
“The investigation into the Embraer jet crash in Tower area began tonight. According to the passenger list, it includes the name and patronymic of Yevgeny Prigozhin,” said the Russian Civil Aviation Authority Rosaviatsiya in relation to the plane crash.
Reportedly, the jet was en route from Moscow to St. Petersburg when it crashed near the village of Kuzenkino, located 100 kilometers north of the Russian capital.
The Embraer jet model had only recorded one accident in over 20 years of service, and that incident was not related to mechanical failure.
Dmitry Reshetov, the bureau chief of DW Russia, commented, “It could well be that this accident was not a tragic accident. It became crucial for the Kremlin. It gained so much power that it became extremely inconvenient and dared to cast doubt on the idea of war in Ukraine, publicly and emphatically.”
If Prigozhin’s death is confirmed, Reshetov suggested, “I can imagine that the Wagner group will no longer exist as a fighting force as of tomorrow.”
White House: Prigozhin’s death ‘no surprise’
The White House also acknowledged the news and President Joe Biden spoke openly to reporters about the matter as he left a fitness studio during his vacation. Biden said, “I don’t really know what happened, but I’m not surprised.” He went on to say, “Not much happens in Russia that Putin doesn’t know about. But I don’t know enough to answer.”
Ukrainian President Mykhailo Podoliak, a facilitator of talks, commented on the news on the social media platform X, formerly known as Twitter, stating that it was “clear” that Putin would use Prigozhin as an example.
Podoliak said, “Two months after trying to lead his soldiers against Moscow in a short-term rebellion, this is a signal from Putin to the indigenous population of Russia before the 2024 elections.”
Polish Foreign Minister Zbigniew Rau told the state news channel TVP Info that Prigozhin’s death couldn’t be a coincidence. He stated, “It’s as if those who Putin sees as a danger to his power don’t die naturally.”
Who is Yevgeny Prigozhin?
Wagner forces were involved in the Russian aggression against Ukraine, playing a significant role in the Battle of Bachmut. However, tensions between the Wagner group and the official Russian military continued until Prigozhin decided not to withdraw his soldiers from Ukraine and instead march on Moscow, subsequently seizing the city of Rostov-on-Don.
The 62-year-old had already opened a front against the Russian military leadership months ago, notably attacking Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu and Chief of Staff Valery Gerasimov. He complained about shortages in supplies for his army and ultimately alleged that the Russian army had fired on Wagner mercenaries.
Under the mediation of Belarusian leader Alexander Lukashenko, negotiations took place and the rebellion ended with the agreement that Wagner’s leader would go to Belarus with his troops. However, conflicting reports later emerged that he left Belarus shortly afterward.
Russian President Vladimir Putin labeled Prigozhin’s actions as “treason” a few hours after Wagner soldiers began marching. Prior to this, Prigozhin had been a close associate of Putin, having once worked as his private caterer. He had used his position to start various businesses, including the Wagner Group.
Prigozhin’s challenges to the Kremlin and Russian governance were among the biggest challenges since Putin first came to power 20 years ago.