WAGNER GROUP LEADER PRIGOZHIN DIES IN PLANE CRASH NORTH OF MOSCOW
Theft, gang-related activities, more theft, and a litany of crimes that would build a rap sheet, Yevgeny Prigozhin was about that life. Spending a total of around nine years in Soviet prisons, Prigozhin would eventually be released after getting out early on good behavior right in time to see the fall of Communism and the rise of capitalism. But instead of becoming an oligarch, buying a superyacht, and/or ruining a football club in London, he decided to take a different approach. Yevgeny V. Prigozhin became a warlord and as of August 23, 2023, it would appear that his life is no more after being presumed dead due to a plane crash. Related read: Should We Be Worried About Russian Military Strength?
Who is Prigozhin?
To define who Prigozhin was is a bit of a quagmire. In his earlier days, he was a criminal but after his time in prison, he would ultimately embrace entrepreneurial pursuits that were on the right side of the law. At least, he would pursue legitimate business fronts, to say the least. There were many different companies as the Soviet Union came crashing down, and Prigozhin realized that there was money to be made and opportunities to be sought out. From that point on, an oligarch was born and there were many different industries that would embroil Prigozhin in Russia, including gambling, marketing, and hospitality. But it was his work in casinos and hospitality that would tie Prigozhin to Putin for the rest of his life. Putin was involved with casinos and it’s believed that it was because of this that the two met. Eventually, Prigozhin would begin owning a variety of restaurants. Eventually, Putin would rule Russia and need a chef. The rest is history. But even with the Kremlin needing a food supplier, Prigozhin had another interest and venture to begin. Known as a private military company, PMC Wagner, better known as the Wagner Group, attracted a big fan in Putin.
PMC Wagner is Born
Prigozhin Wagner ties would arise in 2014 when he founded the group. Depending on how history decides to look at this, or who you ask, Prigozhin was there at the beginning of the War in Ukraine. But we’re not talking about the conflict ongoing since 2022. It’s easy for Americans to forget, but the invasion of Ukraine is far from a new concept. Back in 2014, when the Dombas region was invaded, Wagner Group Leader Yevgeny Prigozhin and his men were there to help the cause with Putin’s blessing. Things died down a bit in the Russo-Ukrainian War before picking back up again in 2022, and in the meantime, the Wagner Group spread out throughout the world. Their missions varied but assisting Russia by doing a lot of dirty work was a priority.
The Wagner Group Invades Ukraine
It’s not that it wasn’t talked about but it’s fair to say that the Wagner Group going into the Ukraine in 2014 wasn’t as big of a deal as it is today. Now, we know who Prigozhin was and his group is a great deal more prominent because of their actions since the latest Russian invasion. Suggested read: Russian Nuclear Targets in America That Are at the Highest Risk The group is highly trained and organized and was sent with Russia’s military to help gain control and stabilize areas. But infighting, accusations, and leadership disputes between Prigozhin and Putin would sour these efforts. Things boiled over to the point in which public declarations were posted online and the Wagner Group even held demonstrations through a march on Moscow because of allegations of Putin’s lack of planning, alleged betrayals, and friendly-on-friendly fighting.
Is Prigozhin Dead?
Prigozhin news made waves after reporting suggested that the Wagner Group’s leader, along with around ten others, crashed in a plane south of the village of Kuzhenkinskoe which is northwest of Moscow. He is presumed to be dead. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SFMCVVkHaxE At the time of this writing, the facts are still coming in as this story is developing. Many are still doubtful of the official version for multiple reasons, including the noted history of online propaganda that Prigozhin has used through his troll farms on social media over the years. Dead or alive, this story is an important one for the development of U.S. security and how the War in Ukraine is ongoing. Prigozhin embraced the paramilitary lifestyle to the extreme for his country, but that’s sort of the problem. His death will mark new, uncharted chapters for the Wagner Group who find themselves at odds with multiple powerful adversaries. Read next: Finland-NATO Agreement Is Russia’s Nightmare Come True