Yevgeny Prigozhin, leader of the Wagner mercenary group, is believed to have died in a plane crash north of Moscow.
- The crash claimed the lives of all 10 individuals onboard, including Prigozhin.
- Prigozhin was confirmed to be on the ill-fated flight, which has sparked suspicions due to the uncertainty surrounding his whereabouts since he led an aborted mutiny against the Russian army in June.
- The crash coincides with reports of a high-ranking general associated with Prigozhin being relieved of his command in the air force.
- Russia's aviation agency, Rosaviatsia, has acknowledged Prigozhin's presence on the flight, and Russia's Investigative Committee has initiated an inquiry into the crash.
- U.S. President Joe Biden has expressed his lack of surprise at the incident, while Keir Giles of the international affairs think tank Chatham House has advised caution in accepting Prigozhin's death due to his history of concealing his movements.
- Tatiana Stanovaya, a senior fellow at the Carnegie Russia Eurasia Center, has suggested that Prigozhin's death could serve as a lesson to potential followers and a symbol of Putin's authority.
The news of Prigozhin's death is still developing, and it is unclear what impact it will have on the conflict in Ukraine or the Wagner mercenary group. However, it is a significant development in the Russian political landscape, and it is likely to be met with mixed reactions from both the public and the international community.
Prigozhin's Death:
Yevgeny Prigozhin, the leader of the Wagner mercenary group, is believed to have perished in a plane crash north of Moscow. The crash claimed the lives of all 10 individuals onboard.
Prigozhin was confirmed to be on the ill-fated flight, which has sparked suspicions due to the uncertainty surrounding his whereabouts since the rebellion. Prigozhin's actions were initially labeled as "treason" by President Vladimir Putin, but the charges against him were later dropped, allowing him to reside in Belarus.
The Crash:
The crash coincides with reports of a high-ranking general associated with Prigozhin being relieved of his command in the air force. The plane, carrying a total of 10 individuals including Prigozhin, was traveling from Moscow to St. Petersburg and crashed approximately 300 kilometers north of Moscow.
The Investigation:
Russia's aviation agency, Rosaviatsia, promptly acknowledged Prigozhin's presence on the flight. Additionally, Vladimir Rogov, an official appointed by Russia in the partially occupied Zaporizhzhia region in Ukraine, received confirmation of Prigozhin's presence from Wagner commanders, including Dmitry Utkin, who was known by the call sign Wagner.
Russia's Investigative Committee initiated an inquiry into the crash for violating air safety regulations. Emergency officials later reported that all 10 bodies had been recovered from the crash site.
The Reaction:
Amidst the unfolding events, U.S. President Joe Biden expressed his lack of surprise at the incident. However, Keir Giles of the international affairs think tank Chatham House advised caution in accepting Prigozhin's death due to his history of concealing his movements.
Tatiana Stanovaya, a senior fellow at the Carnegie Russia Eurasia Center, suggested that Prigozhin's death could serve as a lesson to potential followers and a symbol of Putin's authority.
The Aftermath:
While Prigozhin's demise, if confirmed, may not directly impact the conflict in Ukraine, where his forces played a significant role, his death is being seen by some as an act of retribution orchestrated by the Kremlin.
Tatiana Stanovaya noted that while there may not be an outpouring of public emotion over Prigozhin's demise, his supporters might be more fearful than motivated to protest, while others may view it as a fitting consequence.
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