Russian President Vladimir Putin broke his silence on Thursday regarding the plane crash that is believed to have resulted in the death of Yevgeny Prigozhin, the leader of the Wagner Group. Putin acknowledged that Prigozhin had committed “serious mistakes in life.”
During a meeting with Denis Pushilin, the head of the self-proclaimed Donetsk People’s Republic, Putin extended condolences to the “Wagner Group employees” who were on the ill-fated plane that crashed northwest of Moscow. The crash claimed the lives of all on board, including Prigozhin, who was the chief of the mercenary group known for its ruthless tactics globally and its involvement in the conflict in Ukraine.
Reflecting on Prigozhin’s life, Putin referred to him in the past tense and described him as “a talented man, a talented businessman” whom he had known for a significant period. Putin acknowledged Prigozhin’s challenging journey and the significant errors he had made in his life. Putin also noted that Prigozhin had achieved certain outcomes that served both his personal interests and broader objectives.
The plane crash occurred two months after Prigozhin and the Wagner Group attempted an insurrection, marking one of the most substantial challenges to Putin’s leadership in decades. Following the insurrection, Putin strongly condemned the actions of Wagner, characterizing them as a form of betrayal to Russia itself.
Eyewitnesses to the crash reported seeing a wing detach from the plane before it descended toward the ground. The plane’s descent was described as a glide rather than a steep nosedive.
Prigozhin’s apparent demise adds to a series of incidents involving the deaths or assassination attempts targeting Kremlin critics.
While no concrete evidence links the Kremlin or Russian security services to the crash, suspicions have arisen. Russian authorities have initiated a criminal investigation to determine the cause of the crash, and Putin assured that a thorough inquiry would be conducted.
US President Joe Biden, vocal Russia critic Bill Browder, and Ukrainian presidential aide Mykhailo Podolyak have all implied that they suspect Putin’s involvement in the crash.
Numerous individuals in Russia were interviewed regarding the incident, and a prevailing notion emerged that Putin could have been involved. There were conjectures regarding the possibility of the crash serving as payback for Prigozhin’s unsuccessful mutiny in the preceding months. The prevailing sentiment revolved around Putin’s perceived intolerance for betrayal, prompting ongoing suspicions about his potential influence or that of his associates in the unfortunate occurrence.