Could this be the cause of Wagner’s boss, Yevgeny Prigozhin,s death?
Meet Yevgeny Prigozhin, the founder of the private mercenary group known as Wagner. Russian aviation authorities recently reported that he was on board a plane crash that resulted in no survivors. Prigozhin was once closely associated with Vladimir Putin, even being referred to as his “personal chef.” However, he later led an armed rebellion against Putin, posing a significant challenge to the president’s rule.
Initially operating in the shadows, Prigozhin gained wealth in the chaotic post-Soviet Russian economy. His group, Wagner, played a significant role in Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, achieving notable successes for the Kremlin.
Prigozhin’s rebellion against Putin occurred two months ago on June 23. This mutiny arose from his dissatisfaction with the handling of the Ukraine war by the country’s military leadership. His group advanced towards Moscow, engaging in military actions, but this advancement was halted due to a deal brokered by Belarusian leader Alexander Lukashenko.
Although criminal charges were dropped against Prigozhin, who was expected to go to Belarus, speculation persisted about his fate. Despite this, he continued to appear in different locations, indicating he still wielded influence. This situation led to questions about why a figure who led an armed uprising seemed to escape punishment while other Putin critics faced harsh consequences, including poisoning.
Both Putin and Prigozhin had modest beginnings, growing up in the tougher neighborhoods of St. Petersburg. They became acquainted in the 1990s, after Prigozhin’s release from prison for fraud and robbery. He entered the catering business and became known for providing food at events attended by Putin and other leaders. This earned him the moniker of “Putin’s Personal Chef.”
Prigozhin’s transformation into a warlord began after the 2014 Russian-backed separatist movement in eastern Ukraine. He founded Wagner, a mercenary group that participated in conflicts around the world, including Ukraine and Syria. Notably, he denied his connection to Wagner despite evidence suggesting otherwise.
Apart from military activities, Prigozhin extended his influence into other areas. He established the Internet Research Agency (IRA), a Russian troll farm in St. Petersburg, which interfered with the 2016 US presidential election.
After Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in 2022, Wagner’s involvement escalated. The group played a pivotal role in capturing Ukrainian towns. Prigozhin became more prominent, shifting from a behind-the-scenes figure to a social media presence, actively participating on the front line.
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