The Kremlin has rejected accusations of being responsible for a plane crash that is believed to have caused the death of Yevgeny Prigozhin, a notable mercenary leader. Prigozhin’s fierce fighters were active in Ukraine, Africa, and Syria, and were recently involved in a mutiny in Russia. President Vladimir Putin paid tribute to Prigozhin, while suspicions of the Kremlin’s role in the crash circulated, hinting at a possible assassination.
A preliminary U.S. intelligence evaluation indicated that the plane was intentionally downed, aligning with a pattern of Putin suppressing critics. However, no specifics were provided regarding the explosion’s cause, presumed to be linked to the mutiny challenging Putin’s rule.
Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov dismissed the allegations, citing rampant speculation and asserting the claims were baseless. The Kremlin awaits official conclusions regarding Prigozhin’s demise.
The potential death of Prigozhin could destabilize his Wagner Group of mercenaries, known for their involvement in conflicts like Ukraine’s battle for Bakhmut and roles in Africa and Syria. The group’s future remains uncertain.
The crashed jet carried Prigozhin and other Wagner members. Reports indicated his death, though official confirmation is lacking. President Joe Biden expressed his belief that Putin might be involved, drawing criticism from Russian officials.
The crash’s circumstances involving high-ranking Wagner members on the same flight remain unclear. Investigations are ongoing, while Putin acknowledged the passengers’ contributions to Ukraine’s conflict.
Prigozhin’s outspoken nature and criticism of Russian military strategies had raised tensions, leading to a mutiny in June. After a swift resolution, reports suggest Wagner fighters fled Belarus.
Memorials near Wagner offices have appeared in several cities after the crash, reflecting the impact of Prigozhin’s presumed death on his organization.
Si Venus L Peñaflor ay naging editor-in-chief ng Newsworld, isang lokal na pahayagan ng Laguna. Publisher din siya ng Daystar Gazette at Tutubi News Magazine. Siya ay isa ring pintor at doll face designer ng Ninay Dolls, ang unang Manikang Pilipino. Kasali siya sa DesignCrowd sa rank na #305 sa 640,000 graphic designers sa buong daigdig. Kasama din siya sa unang Local TV Broadcast sa Laguna na Beyond Manila. Aktibong kasapi siya ng San Pablo Jaycees Senate bilang isang JCI Senator.
