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Yevgeniy Prigozhin

All articles tagged with #yevgeniy prigozhin

politics2 years ago

Putin Links Hand Grenade Fragments to Wagner Crash Victims

Fragments of hand grenades were found in the bodies of Yevgeniy Prigozhin, the boss of the Wagner Group, and two top deputies who were killed in a plane crash in August, according to Russian President Vladimir Putin. The crash, which occurred in Russia's Tver region, resulted in the deaths of all 10 people on board, including Prigozhin. Putin denied any external impact on the aircraft, suggesting that the Kremlin did not order the shooting down of the mercenary leader. The cause of the crash remains unexplained, with initial reports suggesting an explosion caused by a missile strike or an explosive on board.

international-politics2 years ago

The Future of Wagner Group After Prigozhin's Death

A close confidant of Yevgeniy Prigozhin, leader of the Wagner Group, has suggested that the fatal plane crash that killed Prigozhin and two top aides last month may have been an internal hit, indicating that no one in Russian leadership can be trusted and no one is safe. Western analysts believe that President Vladimir Putin may have ordered Prigozhin's death as retribution for his rebellion against top military officials. The comments highlight the ongoing divisions within Russia's elite and the country's military reputation, as well as the recent scrutiny faced by Russian commanders over the efficacy of their air defenses.

world2 years ago

"Kremlin's Secret Burial of Wagner Chief Prigozhin Sparks Unrest and Mutiny Preparations"

Yevgeniy Prigozhin, the chief of the Wagner mercenary group, was buried in a secret ceremony in St. Petersburg, Russia, as the Kremlin sought to avoid potential unrest among hard-line Russian nationalists. The burial was shrouded in secrecy, with false trails laid at various locations to confuse journalists. The Kremlin's fears of unrest stem from Prigozhin's popularity among pro-war nationalists who admired his criticism of the war in Ukraine, which raised doubts about President Putin's leadership. Prigozhin and other Wagner leaders were killed in a suspicious plane crash last week, leading to speculation of Kremlin involvement. Putin did not attend the funeral, risking further anger from Prigozhin's supporters who wanted him buried with military honors. The secrecy surrounding the funerals highlights the unease in Moscow as the Kremlin seeks to minimize the risk of unrest and put an end to Wagner's rebellion.

politics2 years ago

The Future of Wagner Group: Challenges and Uncertainty

The death of Yevgeniy Prigozhin, the chief of the private military company Wagner, has revealed his lingering popularity and potential challenge for Russian President Vladimir Putin. Despite Putin branding him a traitor for leading a rebellion against Russia's military, makeshift memorials have been set up across Russia and occupied Ukraine, demonstrating Prigozhin's support in pro-war circles. The Kremlin faces the delicate task of managing potential anger among his supporters, with many believing his death was an assassination ordered by the Kremlin. Putin has praised Prigozhin while denying any involvement in his death. The incident has exposed divisions within the Russian elite and military over the conduct of the war in Ukraine.

international-affairs2 years ago

The Future of Wagner and Russia's Presence in Africa and the Middle East

Following the presumed death of Yevgeniy Prigozhin, the leader of the private military company Wagner, a power vacuum has emerged, leading to a struggle for control among the Kremlin, internal Wagner factions, and outside paramilitary forces. Andrei Troshev, a former lieutenant colonel in Russia's ministry of internal affairs, has emerged as a potential contender to lead the group. The Kremlin is planning to absorb Prigozhin's security contracts in Africa, while other paramilitary groups linked to the Defense Ministry are also seeking to expand their operations on the continent. Despite Prigozhin's efforts to maintain his influence, it is likely that Wagner's operations will continue under new leadership chosen by Russia.

international-affairs2 years ago

Wagner Mercenaries Expand Operations in Africa, Confirms Prigozhin

Yevgeniy Prigozhin, the head of the Wagner Group, a Russian mercenary organization, announced in a video that the group is shifting its focus to Africa. The video, which appeared on Wagner-affiliated Telegram channels, showed Prigozhin in a desert location, stating that Wagner is working to advance Russia's goals on the continent. The long-term fate of the group remains uncertain, as its base in Russia is shutting down and many fighters are being let go. Wagner mercenaries have been accused of war crimes in countries like Libya and Mali.

international-affairs2 years ago

"Wagner Mercenaries: From Ukraine to Africa, Belarus and Beyond"

Yevgeniy Prigozhin, the leader of the Russian mercenary group Wagner, stated in a video that the group will not currently fight in Ukraine and criticized Russia's handling of the conflict. Prigozhin also expressed his intention to continue operating Wagner in Africa and transform Belarus into a formidable military force. Recent movements of Wagner troops to Belarus indicate that the deal between Prigozhin and the Kremlin is holding. The group's main training camp in Russia will be shut down, and Wagner's founder, Dmitry Utkin, made an appearance in the video, stating that this is just the beginning of their operations.

international-politics2 years ago

Putin meets with Wagner leader Prigozhin following failed mutiny

Russian President Vladimir Putin met with Wagner Group mercenary leader Yevgeniy Prigozhin and his commanders after their failed mutiny aimed at ousting top military officials. Putin listened to their explanations and offered options for further employment and combat application. The future of the mercenary group remains unclear, as negotiations are ongoing regarding their punishment or integration into the regular army. Prigozhin blamed his conflict with Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu for the rebellion. The Wagner Group has been credited with battlefield wins in Ukraine, proving its usefulness to the Kremlin.

politics2 years ago

The Intriguing Saga of Prigozhin and the Wagner Rebellion

The Kremlin is working to discredit Yevgeniy Prigozhin, the boss of the Wagner mercenary group, and portray President Vladimir Putin as a strong leader who saved Russia from civil war. State-controlled media is smearing Prigozhin as a greedy opportunist, while allowing him to return to Russia and recover his assets. The Kremlin's propaganda campaign aims to demolish Prigozhin's reputation, increase repressions, and rebrand Putin as a unifying figure. Prigozhin's popularity soared before his short-lived rebellion, but the Kremlin is now trying to erase him politically.

international-relations2 years ago

The Aftermath of the Wagner Group Mutiny: Implications and Intrigue

Former U.S. ambassador to Russia, John Sullivan, warns that Russian President Vladimir Putin cannot allow the leader of the Wagner Group mercenaries, Yevgeniy Prigozhin, to go freely following the recent mutiny that weakened Putin's grip on power. Sullivan suggests that Prigozhin could face other charges and even assassination as a means of ending the threat to the regime. He also highlights the ineptitude of Russia's military and security forces in achieving Putin's goals in Ukraine, and expresses concern that Prigozhin and his cronies may be worse than Putin. Sullivan predicts that Putin will double down rather than step aside, and considers the Russian threat to use nuclear weapons in Ukraine as irrational. He also notes that the Ukrainian counteroffensive's success is uncertain and emphasizes the need for advanced weapons to be shipped to Kyiv.

international-politics2 years ago

"Mercenary Boss Prigozhin Returns to Russia for Funds and Weapons"

Yevgeniy Prigozhin, the leader of the Wagner mercenary group, has returned to Russia from Belarus, according to Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko. This raises questions about the agreement that allowed Prigozhin to avoid insurgency charges for a failed rebellion against Russian President Vladimir Putin. While the Kremlin had announced that Prigozhin and his fighters could avoid prosecution by leaving Russia for Belarus, Lukashenko stated that a final deal on their move to Belarus was still not settled. Prigozhin's continued presence in Russia was confirmed by a St. Petersburg businessman, who said that Prigozhin had returned to reclaim money and weapons seized by the Russian security services.

international-affairs2 years ago

Unraveling the Wagner Mercenary Boss: Kremlin's Response and Future Contracts

The Kremlin is working to dismantle and take control of Yevgeniy Prigozhin's empire, which includes the Wagner mercenary group, a propaganda media wing, and internet troll factories. Prigozhin, known as "Putin's chef," has dropped out of sight since agreeing to halt his mutiny and go to Belarus. The dissolution of his businesses poses a challenge for the Russian government, as they rely on his operations to feed soldiers and maintain influence in Africa. U.S. intelligence officials are monitoring the fallout, while Russia seeks to reassure African leaders who relied on Wagner for security. The future of Wagner remains uncertain, with options for fighters including joining Russia's regular forces or going home.

politics2 years ago

Navalny questions his imprisonment amidst Wagner mutiny and Prigozhin's rebellion

Imprisoned Russian opposition leader Alexei Navalny, who is currently on trial for "extremism" charges, was shocked to learn about the Wagner mercenary rebellion and the deal between President Vladimir Putin and Yevgeniy Prigozhin, who escaped insurrection charges. Navalny, already serving over 11 years in prison, now faces additional charges in a secret trial. He criticized Putin for allowing the Wagner group to flourish and blamed him for the crisis. Navalny's Anti-Corruption Foundation, which exposed corruption in Russia, was banned last year. The crackdown on opposition voices has intensified, with the independent newspaper Novaya Gazeta Europe being declared an "undesirable organization." Navalny's health has deteriorated, and he has been denied basic rights in prison.

politics2 years ago

"Belarus' Lukashenko Benefits from Prigozhin-Putin Mess as Opposition Leader Issues Warning"

Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko is capitalizing on his role in brokering a deal with Yevgeniy Prigozhin, the boss of the Wagner Group, to end a staged rebellion in Russia. Lukashenko is using this opportunity to elevate his profile on the world stage and portray himself as a key player in regional politics. However, experts believe that Lukashenko's posturing is a result of sensing weakness on Putin's side and is unlikely to last long. Lukashenko's relationship with Putin remains complicated, and it is unclear what his political agenda looks like moving forward. Ultimately, Lukashenko is expected to act as a loyal ally to Putin and take orders from the Kremlin.

politics2 years ago

The Wagner Mutiny and Prigozhin's Failed Coup: Implications for Russia's Future

Belarus' opposition fears that Yevgeniy Prigozhin, the Wagner mercenary boss, may attempt a similar rebellion in their country after reports emerged that field camps were being established in Belarusian territory for Wagner mercenaries. The opposition is concerned that Prigozhin's presence in Belarus could lead to escalating tensions or even an attack on neighboring countries, including Ukraine and neighboring Poland, a member of NATO. The democratic opposition in Belarus has long said that Russia's use of Belarusian territory to stage troops and launch attacks into Ukraine has grown into a kind of partial occupation, and now, with the prospect of Wagner mercenaries moving in, the hybrid occupation seems to be growing by the day.