Russian President Vladimir Putin addressed the nation on Thursday, breaking his silence on the tragic plane crash that occurred a day earlier. The crash claimed the lives of Yevgeny Prigozhin, the notorious leader of the Wagner paramilitary group, and nine other senior members of the organization.
In a televised statement, Putin extended his “sincere condolences to the families of all the victims,” labeling the crash a “tragedy.” This marked the first official confirmation of Prigozhin’s demise. The crash, which took place exactly two months after Prigozhin led a rebellion against Russia’s top military leaders, has sparked speculation about its circumstances.
While an investigation into air traffic rule violations was initiated by Moscow, it has been met with silence, leading to growing conjecture about the possibility of an assassination plot. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky firmly denied any involvement from Kyiv, indirectly alluding to Putin as he remarked, “I think everyone knows who this concerns.”
Initially, Moscow had only confirmed Prigozhin’s presence on the flight without verifying his death. However, Putin’s address shed light on the situation. The Russian President offered a qualified tribute to Prigozhin and the Wagner group, acknowledging their significant contribution to Russia’s activities in Ukraine.
“I knew Prigozhin for a very long time, since the early 90s. He was a man of complicated fate, and he made serious mistakes in his life, but he achieved the right results,” Putin stated.
During the Wagner group’s rebellion in June, Putin had branded Prigozhin as a “traitor.” Yet, in his recent statement, Putin acknowledged the group members’ contribution to Russia’s operations in Ukraine, emphasizing their shared purpose. “We remember that, we know that, and we will not forget that,” he affirmed.
Amidst international discussions, some Western leaders expressed skepticism regarding the nature of the crash, casting doubt on whether it was an accidental event.
The tragic incident has once again brought the activities of the Wagner paramilitary group into the global spotlight, prompting speculation about its future direction and implications for regional dynamics.
