Russia admits possible assassination of Prigozhin.
The Mysterious Crash of Mercenary Chief Yevgeny Prigozhin
The Kremlin made a shocking revelation on Wednesday, suggesting that the plane carrying mercenary chief Yevgeny Prigozhin may have been intentionally downed, raising the possibility of an assassination. Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov, when asked about the investigation, stated, “It is obvious that different versions are being considered, including the version—you know what we are talking about—let’s say, a deliberate atrocity.”
While the International Civil Aviation Organization’s involvement is uncertain, Peskov emphasized that the investigation is ongoing and no formal conclusions have been reached yet. He urged everyone to await the results of the Russian investigation.
The tragic crash occurred on August 23, when the private Embraer jet carrying Prigozhin and ten others crashed north of Moscow. The cause of the crash remains unknown, but witnesses reported hearing a loud noise before witnessing the jet plummeting to the ground.
This incident comes exactly two months after Prigozhin took control of Rostov, a city in southern Russia, triggering a mutiny that shook the foundations of President Vladimir Putin’s regime.
Regarding the investigation, Russia has informed Brazil’s aircraft investigation authority that it will not be conducting an international probe at the moment. Peskov clarified, ”In this case, there can be no talk of any international aspect.”
Putin’s Response and Controversies
The day after the crash, President Putin expressed his condolences to the families of the victims and acknowledged his long-standing acquaintance with Prigozhin. Putin described him as a talented businessman but also acknowledged his troubled past and serious mistakes.
The Kremlin vehemently denies the claims made by some Western politicians and commentators that Putin ordered Prigozhin to be killed in revenge, dismissing them as “absolute lies.”
U.S. President Joe Biden, not surprised by the death, suggested that Putin is behind most events in Russia. The controversy surrounding Prigozhin continued even after his demise, as Putin ordered Wagner fighters to pledge allegiance to the Russian state, a move Prigozhin opposed due to his concerns about the defense ministry’s handling of the Ukraine war.
A Complex Legacy
Followers of Prigozhin gathered at his grave to pay their respects, leaving flowers, messages, and poetry, honoring him as a fearless warrior.
In life, Prigozhin boasted about being one of the world’s most feared mercenaries, leading the best fighting force. However, his opponents, including the United States, portrayed him as a brutal commander who exploited African states and ruthlessly eliminated his enemies.
Despite his success in capturing Bakhmut, the bloodiest battle of the Ukraine war, Prigozhin grew increasingly frustrated with what he perceived as the failures of Putin’s military. He warned that Russia could lose the entire Ukraine war.
(Writing by Guy Faulconbridge; editing by Mark Trevelyan)
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