Russian President Vladimir Putin expressed his condolences on Thursday for the plane crash that claimed the lives of Yevgeny Prigozhin, the notorious leader of the Wagner paramilitary group, and other high-ranking members. Putin’s statement marked the first official confirmation of Prigozhin’s death.
The crash occurred two months after Prigozhin rebelled against top military officials in Moscow, which was seen as a significant threat to Putin’s rule. While Moscow has launched an investigation into the crash, speculation of a possible assassination continues to grow. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky denied any involvement and insinuated that the incident concerned Putin. Putin, who had previously called Prigozhin a “traitor” during the rebellion, praised his contributions to Moscow’s offensive in Ukraine and emphasized their shared cause.
Some Western leaders raised doubts about the crash, with US President Joe Biden suggesting that Putin may have been behind it. France and Germany also questioned the circumstances surrounding the incident. Even pro-Kremlin figures, like Margarita Simonyan, hinted at the possibility of an assassination. Prigozhin was well-liked among nationalist-leaning Russians and had gained a following for his tough-guy persona. Meanwhile, in Ukraine, where Wagner fighters were notorious for their brutality, many celebrated Prigozhin’s death. The future of the Wagner group without its leader remains uncertain.
