Russian investigators have officially confirmed that Yevgeny Prigozhin, the chief of the notorious Wagner mercenary group, was among the ten individuals tragically killed in a private jet crash that occurred last week. The crash took place in the Tver region, located to the northwest of Moscow, and the news was released by Russia’s aviation agency on Sunday, following extensive genetic testing.
Yevgeny Prigozhin’s identity was initially suspected to be one of the victims when the plane went down, but the Russian authorities wanted to be certain before making any official statements. The crash, which happened on Wednesday, claimed the lives of all ten individuals aboard the aircraft.
The individuals on the ill-fated flight were identified earlier by Russia’s aviation agency, which published their names shortly after the accident. Among them was not only Yevgeny Prigozhin but also Dmitry Utkin, Prigozhin’s close associate who played a pivotal role in the establishment of the Wagner group.
The Wagner mercenary group, infamous for its involvement in various conflicts around the world, has long been associated with Prigozhin, sometimes referred to as “Putin’s Chef” due to his close ties to Russian President Vladimir Putin. The group has been active in conflicts in Ukraine, Syria, and other regions, often accused of supporting the Russian government’s interests in these areas.
The tragic plane crash that took the life of Prigozhin and his companions has raised questions about the future of the Wagner group. With Prigozhin’s leadership now confirmed as lost, analysts speculate on the potential changes and power struggles that may emerge within the organization. The Wagner group has been the subject of international scrutiny and sanctions, and its future course is uncertain.
The confirmation of Prigozhin’s death through genetic testing marks a significant development in the aftermath of the plane crash. It brings closure to the lingering doubts about his fate and underscores the importance of transparency in such high-profile incidents.
As investigations into the crash continue, both within Russia and potentially involving international agencies, the broader implications of Prigozhin’s demise for Russian military activities and global geopolitical dynamics remain to be seen.
In a statement released on the Telegram messaging app, Russia’s Investigative Committee announced the completion of molecular-genetic examinations as part of the investigation into the plane crash in the Tver region. These examinations confirmed the identities of all ten individuals who perished in the tragic incident, aligning with the list provided in the flight sheet.
The statement read, “As part of the investigation of the plane crash in the Tver region, molecular-genetic examinations have been completed. According to their results, the identities of all 10 dead were established. They correspond to the list stated in the flight sheet.”
Prior to the official confirmation, there had been speculations circulating, especially within pro-Wagner Telegram channels, about whether Yevgeny Prigozhin had actually been on board the ill-fated flight. Prigozhin, known for taking stringent security precautions due to concerns about potential threats on his life, had raised questions about his presence on the doomed aircraft.
Despite confirming the identities of those on board, authorities have not yet disclosed their findings regarding the cause of the private jet’s fatal descent. The circumstances surrounding the crash remain under investigation, leaving unanswered questions about the tragic incident.