Revenge suspected in Prigozhin's presumed plane crash

author: FutureCar Staff    

Yevgeny Prigozhin, the founder of the Wagner military company, was among the passengers on a private jet that crashed soon after taking off from Moscow. The crash is suspected to be an assassination targeting Prigozhin and his top lieutenants, as they were involved in a mutiny challenging President Vladimir Putin's authority. The crash resulted in the death of 10 individuals, including Prigozhin, although there has been no official confirmation yet.

Following the crash, a makeshift memorial was set up outside Wagner's headquarters in St Petersburg, with supporters paying their respects by placing flowers, flags, and candles. The crash site was cordoned off by police, and investigators are examining the debris and wreckage. Reports suggest that the bodies were burned or disfigured beyond recognition, requiring DNA identification.

Despite the speculation surrounding the crash, there has been no official statement from Putin or extensive coverage by Russian state media. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky denied any involvement from his country and suggested that others were responsible. Supporters of Prigozhin claim that the plane was intentionally downed, possibly by an air defense missile or a bomb on board, but these claims cannot be verified independently.

Russian authorities are currently investigating the cause of the crash. The incident has raised concerns about the safety of Putin's opponents and critics, as many have been targeted in apparent assassination attempts. German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock expressed suspicion about the circumstances surrounding Prigozhin's death, citing a pattern of unexplained deaths and suicides in Putin's Russia.

The crash also coincided with the dismissal of Gen. Sergei Surovikin, who was reportedly linked to Prigozhin, from his post as commander of Russia's air force. Prigozhin had been critical of Russian generals' approach to the war in Ukraine, where his mercenaries played a significant role. Despite the potential impact of Prigozhin's death, it is unlikely to have a direct effect on the ongoing conflict in Ukraine.

Flight tracking data revealed that a private jet previously used by Prigozhin took off from Moscow before disappearing from the radar. Videos shared on social media showed the plane descending rapidly and twisting in mid-air, indicating severe damage or a possible explosion.

FutureCar Staff