Yevgeny Prigozhin, the man who led the mutiny against Vladimir Putin dies in a mysterious plane crash. The plane is reported to have dropped quite suddenly without giving any signs of a struggle with a technical glitch. It is beyond the scope of speculation whether it was a mere chance that Putin’s challenger dies in a plane crash or was it another political chilling assassination in cold blood.
Yevgeny Prigozhin, a wealthy businessman with a history of wrongdoing, founded the Wagner mercenary group back in 2014. He gained notoriety as “Putin’s chef” for his catering services to the Kremlin. In a surprising turn of events, he led a short-lived rebellion in June by taking control of Rostov-on-Don and heading towards Moscow, aiming to remove military leadership. However, after negotiations mediated by Belarusian leader Alexander Lukashenko, Prigozhin halted the advance and agreed to move to Belarus, as charges against him were dropped.
The Unsettled Fate
A Mysterious Video and Chilling Speculations
Afterward, Prigozhin maintained a low profile, with only recent video footage hinting at his presence in an African country. The deal to end the mutiny, orchestrated by Prigozhin and the Kremlin, left experts like Ian Bremmer, founder of the Eurasia Group, convinced that Prigozhin wouldn’t remain free for long. Bremmer suggests Putin meticulously orchestrated Prigozhin’s downfall, sending a clear message to anyone daring to challenge him.
A Sudden Crash and Calculated Moves
The plane crash carrying Prigozhin took an unexpected turn, revealing a calculated move by Putin. Ian Petchenik of Flightradar24 shared data showing the jet’s sudden and steep drop moments before crashing. This event serves as a stark example of Putin’s calculated actions, waiting for the right moment to act against Prigozhin.
The Wagner Group: An Infamous Chapter
Putin’s Firm Response and a Defiant Reaction
When Prigozhin and his Wagner troops initiated their insurrection, Putin didn’t hold back. He labeled it as “treachery” and a “stab in the back” of Russia, promising punishment for those involved. However, the lack of immediate consequences surprised Russia and cast a shadow on Putin’s strength.
The Mysterious Plane Crash
Fast forward two months, and Prigozhin’s reported demise in a jet crash has dramatically shifted the narrative. The private jet’s explosion in a field not only took Prigozhin’s life but also that of Wagner commander Dmitry Utkin. This unexpected turn of events has changed the perspective on the situation and the power dynamics at play.
The Enigmatic Figure: Dmitry Utkin
The Right-Hand Man in Question
Dmitry Utkin, Prigozhin’s alleged co-founder of Wagner, was another passenger on the ill-fated plane. Utkin’s background is a bit murky, but reports suggest he served in Russian military intelligence (GRU) before joining the Slavonic Corps during Syria’s civil war in 2013. The Wagner group got its name from Utkin’s military callsign, “Wagner,” and he was reportedly involved in operations in Ukraine and Crimea.
Facing Accusations and Sanctions
Utkin’s involvement in the Wagner group led to accusations of human rights abuses, resulting in sanctions by the UK, New Zealand, and the European Union. His role in the Russian invasion of Ukraine in 2022 further added to his notoriety.
Conclusion
Yevgeny Prigozhin’s journey from being dubbed “Putin’s chef” to leading the Wagner mercenary group and his subsequent downfall showcases the intricacies of power dynamics and calculated actions in the political arena. The crash that claimed his life and that of Dmitry Utkin is a reminder that even the most enigmatic figures can face unexpected consequences in the complex world of geopolitics.
