LONDON (Reuters) – Yevgeny Prigozhin, the leader of the Wagner private army in Russia, was killed in a plane crash north of Moscow on Wednesday. Prigozhin had recently challenged the authority of Vladimir Putin, but his risky power struggle with the military establishment ultimately led to his demise.
Prigozhin was known across Russia and the world for his distinct appearance and loud voice. He often verbally attacked Defence Minister Sergei Shoigu and Chief of the General Staff Valery Gerasimov, accusing them of withholding supplies from his fighters. In a video, he demanded ammunition while standing amidst the bodies of fallen Wagner fighters.
As the feud escalated, Prigozhin accused the defense chiefs of treason and threatened to withdraw his fighters from the Ukrainian city of Bakhmut. However, he later changed his mind and continued fighting, eventually capturing the city.
But tensions reached a breaking point when Prigozhin refused to obey an order for Wagner fighters to sign contracts under the control of the defense ministry. In response, he initiated an armed revolt on June 23, seizing control of the city of Rostov and advancing towards Moscow.
Prigozhin called for punishment against those who had caused harm to Russian soldiers and vowed to address any resistance. Russian President Putin condemned the mutiny as a betrayal and promised a strong response. However, a deal was quickly struck to prevent bloodshed, allowing Prigozhin and some of his fighters to leave for Belarus without facing charges.
The implementation of the deal was surrounded by confusion, with conflicting reports about Prigozhin’s status and whereabouts. The Russian government initially claimed he had attended a meeting with Putin after the mutiny, but state TV later showed evidence allegedly seized from one of Prigozhin’s properties during an investigation.
Questions arose about why Putin tolerated Prigozhin, considering his ability to move freely within and outside of Russia. Some analysts predicted that Prigozhin would either die or cause another coup within six months.
During a televised statement, Putin described Prigozhin as a person who had made mistakes but had fought for a common cause. He offered condolences to those who died in the plane crash.
Prigozhin’s prominence grew unexpectedly as he transitioned from operating behind the scenes to becoming a visible figure in Russia’s war, leading to speculation about his political ambitions. He had a criminal history and spent time in prison before launching a successful catering and restaurant business in St Petersburg.
Prigozhin gained favor with Putin and was awarded major state contracts, earning the nickname “Putin’s chef.” His business empire extended to various countries, and he was accused by the United States of manipulating voters in the 2016 presidential election in favor of Donald Trump. Prigozhin continued to seek business opportunities until the end, even offering his fighters’ services in Niger.
Prigozhin’s death raises questions about the future of his business empire and the implications for Putin and the war in Ukraine. Political analysts believe that the consequences of his mutiny are just beginning.
(Reporting by Mark Trevelyan; Editing by Cynthia Osterman and Nick Macfie)
Credit: The Star : News Feed
