Russia: Wagner chief Prigozhin reported dead in jet crash

Yevgeny Prigozhin, leader of the Russian private military group Wagner, was among the 10 passengers who tragically lost their lives in a private jet crash in northern Moscow. The crash is under investigation, happening exactly two months after Prigozhin’s unsuccessful rebellion against Russia’s military leadership.

US President Joe Biden commented, “It’s rare for significant events to occur in Russia without Putin’s involvement, but I lack sufficient information to provide an answer.”

In Ukraine, presidential aide Mykhailo Podolyak suggested that the crash might be a signal from Putin to Russia’s elites before the 2024 elections, emphasizing that disloyalty could have severe consequences.

Concerns are growing about the fate of the Wagner fighters, who are stationed in Africa, Belarus, and other regions. The incident has raised questions about their future.