Kremlin Suggests Deliberate Wrongdoing in Crash that Killed Wagner Leader Yevgeny Prigozhin
Moscow, Russia – The Kremlin announced on Wednesday that the crash which resulted in the death of Yevgeny Prigozhin, the leader of the private military force Wagner, may have been the result of “deliberate wrongdoing.” While investigators have not yet determined an official cause, Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov stated that “different versions” of what happened are being considered, including the possibility of deliberate actions.
Peskov revealed that the Russian Investigative Committee is still conducting its probe into the crash. Last week, the committee opened a criminal case on charges of flight safety violations, a standard charge used in plane crash investigations in Russia when foul play is not suspected.
The Center for Research and Prevention of Aeronautical Accidents in Brazil had prompted an international investigation via the United Nations’ civil aviation rules. However, the Kremlin spokesperson stated that there could not be an international investigation.
Prigozhin, along with several top lieutenants, boarded a business jet that crashed halfway between Moscow and St. Petersburg on August 23. The crash occurred exactly two months after Prigozhin led an armed march towards Moscow to protest Russia’s military leadership, leading to speculation that the crash may have been deliberate.
The incident was seen as the largest armed rebellion against President Vladimir Putin’s authority in his 23-year rule. Some experts have speculated that Putin ordered the assassination, but the Kremlin has denied any involvement in the crash. Ukraine, which Russia invaded last year and continues to war against, has also denied any involvement.
Putin acknowledged that the passengers on the plane had made a significant contribution to the fighting in Ukraine, stating, “We remember this, we know, and we will not forget.”
Prigozhin was buried in a private ceremony in his hometown of St. Petersburg. The event was shrouded in secrecy until the location of his grave was revealed by his spokespeople on Tuesday evening.
It remains unclear why several high-ranking members of Wagner, who are typically cautious about their security, boarded the same flight. The Kremlin took days to confirm Prigozhin’s death in the crash.
A preliminary U.S. intelligence assessment concluded that the crash was caused by an intentional explosion. Witnesses at the scene reported a loud explosion before the plane crashed, and video footage shows the severely damaged aircraft falling out of the sky.
The investigation into the crash is ongoing, and further updates are expected as more information becomes available.
How is the Russian Investigative Committee conducting its probe into the crash involving Yevgeny Prigozhin and what charges are being investigated
Suggested that the recent crash resulting in the death of Yevgeny Prigozhin, the leader of the private military force Wagner, may have been due to intentional wrongdoing, according to a statement from the Kremlin on Wednesday. While an official cause has not yet been determined, Dmitry Peskov, a spokesperson for the Kremlin, stated that various possibilities are being considered, including deliberate actions.
Peskov also revealed that the Russian Investigative Committee is currently conducting a probe into the crash. Last week, the committee initiated a criminal case regarding flight safety violations, a customary charge utilized in aircraft crash investigations in Russia when foul play is not suspected.
The Center for Research and Prevention of Aeronautical Accidents in Brazil has also been involved in the investigation.
It’s concerning to see the speculation surrounding Prigozhin’s death and the possibility of foul play.