Yevgeny Prigozhin, the founder of Russia's Wagner Group, which recently posed a challenge to Vladimir Putin's rule, was reportedly involved in a plane crash outside of Moscow on Wednesday, resulting in the deaths of 10 people.
The crash occurred in the Tver region while the business jet was en route from the Russian capital to St. Petersburg, according to the TASS news agency. The Federal Air Transport Agency confirmed that Prigozhin was among the passengers on the aircraft. An investigation into the crash has been initiated.
The fate of Prigozhin in the crash remains unclear. The Pentagon has stated that it is monitoring the situation, while the White House National Security Council spokesperson, Adrienne Watson, commented that if the reports are confirmed, it would not be surprising given the ongoing conflict in Ukraine and the emergence of private armies.
President Biden, when asked about Prigozhin's possible presence on the aircraft, stated that he did not have enough information to provide a definitive answer but expressed his lack of surprise, suggesting that Putin is often involved in significant events in Russia.
In response to the news of the crash, Putin made a public appearance at a concert in Russia. His press secretary, Dmitry Peskov, informed Russian media that Putin had been informed of the events surrounding Prigozhin and that appropriate measures were being taken.
Prigozhin had recently initiated a significant challenge to Putin's regime, marching his 25,000-strong mercenary forces to within 125 miles of Moscow. However, he abruptly ended the operation and ordered his troops to return home before seeking exile in Belarus. The reported crash comes just days after Prigozhin posted a video on Telegram, claiming that the Wagner Group would make Russia "greater" and Africa "freer." In the video, Prigozhin stated that the group was conducting reconnaissance and search activities, aiming to expand Russia's influence in Africa and combat terrorist organizations.
The Wagner Group, a Russian mercenary force, has been active in countries such as the Central African Republic, where they have been accused of human rights abuses. The Kremlin has utilized the Wagner Group since 2014 to extend Russia's presence in the Middle East and Africa.
Prigozhin had been critical of Russia's military performance in Ukraine before calling for an armed uprising to oust the defense minister. He then led his mercenaries from Ukraine towards Moscow. Under a deal brokered by Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko, Prigozhin agreed to end the rebellion in exchange for amnesty and permission to relocate to Belarus.
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