In a development that has caught the attention of Russian state-run news agencies, Yevgeny Prigozhin, the chief of the Wagner group that led a short-lived mutiny against Russia’s conventional army earlier this year, is believed to have been a passenger on a crashed plane in the Tver Region.
Yevgeny Prigozhin, a prominent figure, was identified by Russian aviation agency Rosaviatsia as among the passengers on the ill-fated plane that went down. The Wagner group, led by Prigozhin, made headlines when it instigated a rebellion against Russia’s army in June. Thousands of mercenaries associated with the group embarked on a march from southern Russia towards Moscow with the intention of overthrowing the country’s military leadership.
The aircraft, identified as a private Embraer Legacy, was en route from Moscow to Saint Petersburg when it crashed near the village of Kuzhenkino in the Tver Region. The Ministry for Emergency Situations of Russia confirmed the crash, stating that there were 10 people on board, including three crew members. Tragically, all individuals on board are believed to have lost their lives.
As authorities initiate search and investigation operations, questions arise regarding the circumstances leading to the crash. Videos circulated on Telegram channels affiliated with the Wagner group allegedly depict the wreckage of the plane engulfed in flames in a field. However, these visuals remain unverified.
Following the mutiny in June, a mediated deal brokered by Belarusian leader Alexander Lukashenko had expected Prigozhin and some of his associates to relocate to neighboring Belarus. Despite this arrangement, Prigozhin retained his involvement with the Wagner group and remained relatively discreet. Recently, a video surfaced showing him purportedly in Africa, where he expressed a desire for greater freedom.
The presence of Yevgeny Prigozhin on the crashed plane raises questions about his activities and intentions. Given his background and involvement with the Wagner group, there are concerns about the implications of this incident. As investigations unfold, the circumstances surrounding the crash and Prigozhin’s role are expected to be scrutinized closely.
In a complex narrative that intertwines Prigozhin’s leadership of the Wagner group and his connection to the crashed plane, Russia and the international community await further information to shed light on the events leading up to the tragic incident.
Sources By Agencies
