Preliminary U.S. intelligence findings indicate that the plane crash that supposedly killed Wagner leader Yevgeny Prigozhin was deliberately caused by an explosion, according to anonymous U.S. and Western officials. These officials suggest that the explosion aligns with Russian President Vladimir Putin’s pattern of silencing his critics. The exact cause of the explosion is still unknown, but it is believed to be a retaliation for a mutiny that challenged Putin’s authority. Putin expressed his condolences for the victims and acknowledged “serious mistakes” made by Prigozhin, but the White House has declined to comment on the matter.
The plane crash occurred after a private jet carrying Prigozhin and six other passengers crashed shortly after takeoff from Moscow. The passenger manifest included high-ranking members of Wagner, including Prigozhin himself and his second-in-command. The purpose of their trip to St. Petersburg remains unknown. The crash resulted in the deaths of all 10 people on board, but there has been no official confirmation of Prigozhin’s death. President Joe Biden stated that he believed Putin was behind the crash, but admitted that he did not have concrete evidence to support his claim.
If Prigozhin’s death is confirmed, it would be a significant blow to the Wagner Group’s leadership. The group is known for its involvement in various conflicts, including the fighting in Ukraine. Russian state media has not extensively covered the crash, instead focusing on Putin’s remarks at the BRICS summit and Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. Meanwhile, Russian authorities are investigating the cause of the crash, and reports suggest that the bodies recovered from the wreckage may be burned or disfigured beyond recognition.
Opponents and critics of Putin have often faced assassination attempts, and many officials expected Prigozhin to be targeted despite a previous deal that ended the mutiny. German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock commented on the incident, stating that it is consistent with a pattern of deaths and unexplained suicides in Putin’s Russia. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy also pointed the finger at Putin, stating that they have nothing to do with the crash.
The crash coincided with the dismissal of Gen. Sergei Surovikin, a former top commander in Ukraine reportedly linked to Prigozhin. Prigozhin had been critical of the Russian generals’ handling of the war in Ukraine, and his mercenaries were known for their involvement in the conflict. Despite his criticism, Putin initially allowed Prigozhin to speak his mind. However, the mutiny led to a deal between Putin and Prigozhin, which granted amnesty to the mercenaries and allowed them to move to Belarus. Many now believe that the crash is a form of punishment for Prigozhin’s actions.
In conclusion, the U.S. intelligence assessment suggests that the plane crash that killed Yevgeny Prigozhin was intentionally caused by an explosion. The exact cause of the explosion is still unknown, but it is believed to be a retaliation for a mutiny that challenged Putin’s authority. The crash has raised concerns about Putin’s pattern of silencing his critics, and if Prigozhin’s death is confirmed, it would be a significant blow to the Wagner Group’s leadership. Investigations into the crash are ongoing, and reports suggest that the bodies recovered from the wreckage may be burned or disfigured beyond recognition.
Original Story at apnews.com – 2023-08-24 18:05:00
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