The Kremlin has categorically rejected allegations suggesting its involvement in a plane crash that is presumed to have killed Yevgeny Prigozhin, a prominent mercenary leader who orchestrated a brief but audacious mutiny in Russia just two months ago. Prigozhin, widely known for his brutal fighters who operated in various conflict zones, including Ukraine, Africa, and Syria, was eulogized by Russian President Vladimir Putin just a day before suspicions started to swirl that the Russian leader could be behind the fatal crash, potentially viewing it as an assassination.
According to a preliminary assessment by U.S. intelligence, the plane crash appears to have been caused by an intentional explosion. One U.S. official, speaking anonymously, noted that Prigozhin was “very likely” the target of the attack, aligning with Putin’s track record of dealing with critics through severe measures. However, no specific details about the cause of the explosion have been provided. This incident follows a mutiny that occurred in June, posing a significant challenge to Putin’s long-standing rule.
Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov has firmly denied any involvement, characterizing the allegations as Western speculations and outright lies. He stated that forensic analyses, including genetic testing, are ongoing, and official conclusions will be released once the results are available.
The possible death of Prigozhin could have implications for his Wagner Group of private military contractors, as noted by Britain’s Defense Ministry. The ministry highlighted Prigozhin’s “exceptional audacity” and “extreme brutality,” qualities that were central to the organization’s operations and are unlikely to be replicated by any potential successor. Wagner mercenaries have played crucial roles in various conflicts, most notably in Ukraine, where they were involved in fierce battles, including the prolonged fight for the city of Bakhmut.
The plane crash occurred shortly after takeoff from Moscow en route to St. Petersburg, carrying Prigozhin, six other Wagner members, and a crew of three. Although ten bodies have been recovered, there has been no official confirmation of Prigozhin’s death.
President Joe Biden expressed his belief that Putin could be behind the crash, but Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Sergei Ryabkov criticized Biden’s comments, stating that it was not for the U.S. president to make statements on such tragic events.
Several high-ranking Wagner members, typically vigilant about their security, were on the same flight, the purpose of which remains unknown. Russian authorities have initiated an investigation into the crash and have begun identifying the victims through genetic testing.
The mutiny led by Prigozhin in June marked a significant challenge to Putin’s rule. His mercenaries took control of the military headquarters in Rostov-on-Don and downed multiple Russian military aircraft. Initially, Putin denounced the rebellion as “treason” and a “stab in the back” but later reached a deal that ended the mutiny in exchange for amnesty for Prigozhin and his fighters.
Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko, who facilitated the deal, stated that Prigozhin had not sought security guarantees. He also revealed that he had warned Putin about an “impending assassination attempt” on Prigozhin.
Following Prigozhin’s presumed death, unconfirmed reports have emerged suggesting that hundreds of Wagner fighters have fled Belarus. Relatives of Wagner fighters have reported long lines at a Wagner office in Russia’s Krasnodar region.