Russian mercenary chief Yevgeny Prigozhin presumed dead in a plane crash
ussia's aviation agency Rosaviatsia said Prigozhin was one of 10 people on board a plane that crashed while travelling from Moscow to St Petersburg.
Russian mercenary chief Yevgeny Prigozhin has been presumed dead in a plane crash near Moscow.
The plane is reported to have crashed near the village of Kuzhenkino, about halfway between Moscow and St. Petersburg.
Russian mercenary leader Yevgeny Prigozhin was on the passenger list of a jet that crashed in Russia killing all 10 people on board, Russia’s civil aviation authority said.
Prigozhin’s aircraft – an Embraer-135 (EBM-135BJ) – was flying from Moscow to St. Petersburg on Wednesday with seven passengers and three crew, Russia’s Rosaviatsia aviation authority said.
On the other hand, a Telegram channel affiliated with his Wagner mercenary group reported on Wednesday, “The head of the Wagner Group, a Hero of Russia, a true patriot of his Motherland – Yevgeny Viktorovich Prigozhin died as a result of the actions of traitors to Russia.”
While one report said the body of Prigozhin, 62, had been found and identified – this has not been officially confirmed.
Meanwhile, Russia’s state-run news agency Interfax said that all 10 bodies have been recovered.
Footage that captured the plane crashing is now doing rounds on social media.
Wagner Group #Prigozhin reportedly dead after his plane crashed down near #Moscow. The aircraft passenger list included Prigozhin's name. pic.twitter.com/YlmNppEb4l
— The Interventionist (@Intrvntnst) August 24, 2023
Wagner Group #Prigozhin reportedly killed after his plane was shot down near #Moscow. The aircraft passenger list included Prigozhin's name. Potential causes could be Russian air defense firing on the plane or another party targeting the controversial mercenary leader. pic.twitter.com/9oKteIJQjn
— International Defence Analysis (@Defence_IDA) August 24, 2023
