By PRINCE ODETA
Russian President Vladimir Putin broke his silence on Thursday regarding the death of Wagner Group leader Yevgeny Prigozhin. Prigozhin was presumed to have died in a plane crash north of Moscow on Wednesday.
The Russian civilian aviation agency confirmed that both Prigozhin and Wagner commander Dmitry Utkin were passengers on the jet, which crashed, resulting in the deaths of eight others. Putin acknowledged Prigozhin’s “serious mistakes” but also highlighted his achievements for himself and common goals.
He described Prigozhin as a talented businessman he had known since the 1990s, mentioning his work both in Russia and abroad, particularly in Africa.
Putin assured that an investigation is underway and stated that a preliminary investigation had been launched into the incident. Despite international speculation, Putin did not address whether the Russian government was involved in the death and crash. The private jet was en route from Moscow to St. Petersburg when it crashed in the Tver region.
The Telegram channel “Grey Zone,” possibly connected to Wagner, asserted that Russian air defense systems were responsible for shooting down the plane. The channel claimed the incident occurred near the Bologovsky district of the Tver region, supported by witness accounts and videos. However, these claims couldn’t be immediately confirmed by The Epoch Times.
Government officials speculated about Russian involvement, including Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, who denied any responsibility. President Joe Biden, Russia critic Bill Browder, and Ukrainian aide Mykhailo Podolyak all hinted at Kremlin involvement.
The Study of War, a Washington-based think tank, mentioned that the Russian Ministry of Defense and Kremlin’s actions against Wagner may have led to the organization’s decline. Wagner’s leader, Mr. Prigozhin, appeared to counter these efforts, but Wagner’s future remains uncertain.
Residents in Kuzhenkino village reported hearing an explosion before the plane crashed. A witness saw a wing break off, causing the plane to glide downward.
Earlier, Mr. Prigozhin led a rebellion against Russia’s military tactics during the Ukraine war, attempting to challenge Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu and Chief of the General Staff Valery Gerasimov. The rebellion was quelled by a Kremlin deal, relocating Prigozhin to Belarus, but he still seemed active in Russia.
Mr. Prigozhin recently posted a video that hinted at being in Africa. He was also seen at a Russia–Africa summit in St. Petersburg in July.
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