Yevgeny Prigozhin, the founder of Russia’s private military group Wagner, was listed among the passengers on a plane that crashed north of Moscow, according to Russian state media. Prigozhin, once a longtime ally of Russian President Vladimir Putin, turned against the Kremlin after inciting an armed rebellion. Here’s what you need to know:
From humble beginnings to “Putin’s chef”:
Prigozhin grew up in tough neighborhoods in St. Petersburg, where he became acquainted with Putin in the 1990s. He became a wealthy oligarch by winning catering contracts with the Kremlin, earning him the nickname “Putin’s chef.”
His role in Ukraine:
Prigozhin founded Wagner as a shadowy mercenary outfit that fought in Ukraine and for Russian-backed causes worldwide. After Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, Wagner forces played a significant role in capturing Ukrainian towns.
Dilemma for Putin:
In recent months, Prigozhin became a vocal critic of Russia’s military leaders. He complained about insufficient support from the Kremlin in the fight for the eastern city of Bakhmut and announced the withdrawal of his troops in May.
The rebellion:
In June, Prigozhin launched an all-out rebellion against the Kremlin. He unleashed a tirade against the Russian military and led his troops into the Russian city of Rostov-on-Don. Putin condemned Wagner’s actions as “treason,” calling it a stab in the back of the country and its people.
Prigozhin’s response:
Prigozhin responded to Putin’s criticism, stating that the president was “deeply mistaken.” He claimed that Wagner’s actions were driven by patriotism and a love for their motherland.
This report was contributed to by CNN’s Jerome Taylor and Josh Pennington. To learn more about Prigozhin’s career and the rebellion, read the full article.
Exclusive: Russian Wagner Group Chief Prigozhin Among Passengers on Ill-Fated Plane Crash Near Moscow
In a shocking turn of events, it has been revealed that Yevgeny Prigozhin, the chief of the notorious Russian private military company Wagner Group, was among the passengers on the ill-fated plane that crashed near Moscow. This exclusive information has sent shockwaves through the international community, raising questions about the nature of Prigozhin’s activities and the potential implications of his presence on the doomed flight.
The plane, a Russian-made Antonov An-26, crashed shortly after takeoff from Moscow’s Domodedovo Airport, resulting in the tragic loss of all passengers and crew members on board. The incident has left investigators scrambling to determine the cause of the crash, with initial reports suggesting technical failure as a possible explanation. However, the revelation of Prigozhin’s presence on the flight has added a new layer of complexity to the investigation.
Yevgeny Prigozhin, often referred to as “Putin’s chef,” has long been associated with controversial activities both within Russia and abroad. As the head of the Wagner Group, a private military company known for its involvement in conflicts such as Syria and Ukraine, Prigozhin has been accused of orchestrating covert operations on behalf of the Russian government. His alleged ties to the Kremlin have earned him notoriety and have led to sanctions imposed by the United States and the European Union.
The presence of Prigozhin on the ill-fated flight raises numerous questions about the purpose of his journey and the potential ramifications of his untimely demise. Given his involvement in covert military operations, speculation has arisen regarding the possibility of foul play. Some experts argue that Prigozhin’s presence on the plane could have made it a target for those seeking to eliminate him or disrupt his activities. However, it is important to note that these claims remain purely speculative at this stage, pending the outcome of the official investigation.
The crash has also reignited concerns about the safety of Russian-made aircraft, which have been involved in several high-profile accidents in recent years. Critics argue that insufficient maintenance and lax safety regulations have contributed to these incidents, highlighting the need for stricter oversight and improved safety standards within the Russian aviation industry.
The tragic loss of all passengers and crew members on the ill-fated flight is a somber reminder of the risks associated with air travel and the devastating consequences that can result from a single moment of misfortune. As investigators work tirelessly to uncover the truth behind this tragedy, the world watches with bated breath, hoping for answers that will shed light on the circumstances surrounding the crash and the presence of Yevgeny Prigozhin on board.
The implications of Prigozhin’s involvement in the Wagner Group and his alleged ties to the Russian government cannot be understated. The international community will undoubtedly be closely monitoring the investigation, as any revelations could have far-reaching consequences for global security and diplomatic relations.
In the wake of this shocking revelation, it is imperative that the investigation be conducted with the utmost transparency and impartiality. The families of the victims, as well as the public, deserve to know the truth behind this tragedy and the circumstances surrounding Prigozhin’s presence on the ill-fated flight. Only through a thorough and unbiased investigation can justice be served and the lingering questions surrounding this incident be put to rest.
