Russian authorities have officially confirmed the passing of Wagner’s leader, Prigozhin, following genetic testing!
Russian authorities have verified that Yevgeny Prigozhin, the head of the Wagner Group, was one of the individuals who lost their lives in the plane crash last Wednesday. The confirmation was made through genetic testing. Prigozhin, who had led an unsuccessful uprising against the Kremlin, had been previously mentioned as a passenger on the private plane that went down in a field northwest of Moscow while end route to St. Petersburg. However, the authorities had refrained from officially confirming his demise until now.
A statement released on the Russia’s Investigative Committee’s Telegram channel stated, “Molecular genetic examinations as part of the investigation of the plane crash in the Taver region have been concluded. The results confirm the identities of all 10 deceased individuals, matching the list provided in the flight manifest.”
Key Figures Among Plane Crash Victims, Speculation Surrounds Prigozhin’s Fate, and Insights into His Past Actions.
“Dmitriy Utkin, Longtime Confidant of Prigozhin, and Valeriy Chkalov, Senior Aide, Among Plane Crash Victims Alongside Three Crew Members.
Amid Prigozhin’s Enigmatic Lifestyle, Speculation Arises About His Fate. Memorial in St. Petersburg Fuels Theories of Orchestrated Disappearance to Serve Russia’s Interests.
Plane Crash Coincides with the Two-Month Anniversary of Prigozhin’s Failed Uprising Against Russian Military Command.
Once a Shadowy Figure, Prigozhin Gained Prominence Through Wagner Group’s Successes in Ukraine Conflict. Evolution Into a Vocal Critic of Russian Leadership and Campaign.
In June, Prigozhin’s Wagner Forces Seized Key Sites, Approached Moscow in a Standoff Against Deployed Kremlin Troops. Rebellion Quelled Through Diplomatic Agreement, Sending Prigozhin and Fighters to Belarus.”
Speculation Arises on Deliberate Act Amidst Uncertain Russian Crash Cause; Biden Suggests Putin’s Involvement.
The exact cause of the crash remains uncertain; however, US and Western intelligence sources, as communicated to CNN, entertain the notion that it might have been a deliberate act. US President Joe Biden implied possible involvement by Putin, stating, ‘While I can’t confirm the details, I wouldn’t be surprised.’
Presently, no concrete evidence links the Kremlin or Russian security services to the crash. The incident’s origins are yet undetermined, prompting Russian authorities to initiate a criminal i
nquiry.
Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov vehemently rejected any notion of Kremlin involvement, labeling such claims as ‘utter falsehood.’
In his initial remarks regarding the incident, Putin acknowledged Prigozhin’s talent but criticized his ‘grave errors in judgment.’ The two have been acquainted since the early 1990s, rising in prominence following the dissolution of the Soviet Union.”
Evolution of Putin’s Association with Prigozhin: From St. Petersburg to Wagner Leadership!
Both hailing from St. Petersburg, Putin’s connection with Prigozhin traces back to the early 1990s. While Prigozhin’s journey began with a hot dog stand, he swiftly expanded into a successful catering business, owning upscale restaurants and earning the moniker ‘Putin’s chef.’
However, his trajectory surged when he assumed leadership of the Wagner mercenary group. Operating significantly in the Eastern Ukrainian conflict, Wagner fighters notably participated in the extended siege of Bakhmut.
Subsequently, many members relocated to Belarus as part of a resolution that concluded their mutiny. While a portion could integrate into Russia’s armed forces, a substantial segment is expected to be discontented due to Prigozhin’s sudden demise, as he had garnered substantial loyalty.
Reports are also emerging of spontaneous memorials cropping up in various Russian cities in honor of Prigozhin.”
“Confluence of Events: Plane Crash Occurs on Day of Significance Amid Prigozhin’s Continuing Impact
Notably, it coincided with the two-month anniversary of Prigozhin’s initiation of the ‘armed mutiny.’ Furthermore, the event transpired one day before Ukraine commemorated its 32nd year of independence from the Soviet Union, and on the same day as the third annual Crimea Platform meeting—an international diplomatic assembly focusing on Kyiv’s aspiration to regain control of Crimea, a strategically pivotal peninsula annexed by Putin in 2014.
Even following the attempted uprising, Prigozhin maintained a presence, conveying his messages. He participated in Putin’s Africa summit the previous month, projecting an image as a patriotic influencer, despite his prior act of insubordination.