A private jet has crashed in the Tver region, 60 miles north of Moscow, claimed the lives of ten individuals. The Russian Civil Aviation Authority confirmed that among the passengers listed onboard was Yevgeny Prigozhin, leader of mercenary group Wagner and a figure of prominence in Russia.
The Embraer aircraft, en route from Moscow to St Petersburg, was carrying seven passengers and three crew members when the crash occurred. Videos of the jet’s descent have circulated on social media.
Rosaviatsia, the Russian aviation authority, disclosed that Yevgeny Prigozhin’s name was on the passenger list. Though unconfirmed, media reports speculate that the ill-fated jet might have belonged to Prigozhin. However, it remains unclear whether he was on board.
Prigozhin’s history is marked by controversy. He led a brief uprising against Russia’s top military leadership, which resulted in his being termed a “traitor” by President Vladimir Putin. He was later sent to Belarus following the incident.
Many questions surround Prigozhin’s circumstances, with observers debating whether his involvement in the crash serves the Kremlin’s interests. The recent developments come after Prigozhin was captured in a video discussing his aspirations for Africa’s liberation while brandishing a rifle in camouflage attire.
Once a close associate of Putin, Prigozhin has taken an active stance against the handling of the Ukraine invasion by top military officials.
