Russian investigators announced on Sunday that genetic tests have verified the death of Yevgeny Prigozhin, the chief of the Wagner mercenary group, in a recent plane crash. The crash occurred in the Tver region, northwest of Moscow, and claimed the lives of 10 individuals, including Prigozhin and Dmitry Utkin, his right-hand man and co-founder of the Wagner group.
The Investigative Committee of Russia confirmed the identification of the deceased through molecular-genetic examinations, stating that the results matched the list of individuals on the flight. This declaration comes in response to speculation, particularly on pro-Wagner Telegram channels, questioning the presence of Prigozhin on the ill-fated flight due to his security precautions.
The cause of the private jet crash has yet to be determined by authorities. The incident occurred two months after Prigozhin and the Wagner mercenaries initiated a mutiny against Russian military commanders, temporarily seizing control of the southern city of Rostov before ultimately retreating 200 kilometers away from Moscow.
Russian President Vladimir Putin referred to the mutiny as a treacherous “stab in the back,” but later met with Prigozhin in the Kremlin and expressed condolences to the families of the crash victims. However, Western politicians and commentators have speculated, without evidence, that Putin may have ordered Prigozhin’s execution to punish him for the mutiny, which posed a significant challenge to Putin’s rule.
The Wagner fighters had a significant presence in eastern Ukraine, particularly during the prolonged siege of Bakhmut, despite Prigozhin’s vocal criticisms of Russia’s military high command. Following the failed mutiny, the Wagner fighters have since departed Ukraine and relocated to neighboring Belarus under the terms of a peace agreement.
While some of the fighters may join Russia’s armed forces, many loyal to Prigozhin may feel disgruntled by the sudden demise of their leader. Putin offered a mixed tribute to Prigozhin, acknowledging his talent as a businessman but also highlighting his significant life mistakes.
As the investigation into the plane crash continues, Russian authorities have not yet determined the cause of the tragic incident.