In this image taken from video released by Razgruzka_Vagnera telegram channel on Monday, Aug. 21, 2023, Yevgeny Prigozhin, the owner of the Wagner Group military company speaks to a camera at an unknown location. (Razgruzka_Vagnera telegram channel via AP)
Yevgeny Prigozhin, the enigmatic leader of Russia's Wagner Group, is believed to have met a tragic end in a plane crash that unfolded in Russia's Tver region. The incident has sent shockwaves through the nation and the international community, marking a significant chapter in the controversial figure's life.
Prigozhin, who was reportedly on board the ill-fated jet, was known for his role in leading the Wagner mercenary group, a shadowy entity notorious for its involvement in conflicts across the world. The plane, identified as an Embraer-135 (EBM-135BJ), was en route from Moscow to St. Petersburg, carrying seven passengers and three crew members. Tragically, all 10 individuals on board lost their lives in the crash.
Reports emerging from Russian civil aviation authorities suggest that the plane was shot down by Russian air defenses. Social media channels associated with the Wagner group conveyed that Prigozhin's private plane was targeted, with the Grey Zone Telegram channel suggesting that his death was due to actions taken by "traitors to Russia."
Prigozhin's history is marked by intrigue and controversy. He had been linked to a foiled mutiny against Russia's armed forces, an event that raised questions about his influence and the intricate power dynamics within the nation. While some experts have speculated that the mutiny was staged and Prigozhin's intentions were manipulated, others point to his eventual retreat following direct orders from President Vladimir Putin.
The crash took place on a day that witnessed the reported dismissal of senior Russian general Sergei Surovikin as air force chief. Surovikin's connections with Prigozhin have raised eyebrows, especially considering his absence from the public eye since the mutiny. The circumstances surrounding both events have ignited a flurry of speculation and analysis.
Yevgeny Prigozhin's involvement with the Wagner Group, estimated to consist of approximately 25,000 fighters, has left an indelible mark on conflicts in regions such as Ukraine, Syria, and West Africa. The group's reputation for brutality and its shadowy operations have garnered global attention.
As investigations into the crash continue, questions persist about the authenticity of claims regarding the downing of the plane. Prigozhin's complicated history, from his alleged role in a coup attempt to his connections with Russian military figures, adds layers of complexity to the narrative. With details emerging in fragments, the world watches closely to uncover the truth behind this tragedy that has shaken Russia's political and military landscape.
Source: BBC News
