In the past hour, it has been confirmed that Yevgeny Pregozian, the head of the Wagner Group, was aboard the private jet that crashed near Moscow. This situation is still rapidly developing. The UK government has stated that it is monitoring the situation, while US President Biden commented that there’s little that happens in Russia without Putin’s involvement.
Yevgeny Pregozian, the leader of the Wagner mercenary group, was reportedly on board the crashed Embraer plane in the TV region of Russia, north of Moscow. Eyewitnesses reported seeing the plane burning before it crashed. His right-hand man, Wagner Commander Dmitry, was also believed to have been on board. A Wagner-affiliated Telegram channel later confirmed Pregozian’s death, attributing it to the actions of traitors to Russia.
Two months earlier, Pregozian had initiated what he called the “March of Justice” or “Mutiny.” This was an insurrection by Wagner forces aligned with the Kremlin in Ukraine. The insurrection demanded the removal of senior Russian military leadership, whom they blamed for battlefield setbacks. The mutineers eventually marched towards Moscow but reached a deal with the Kremlin, leading to their departure from Russia.
The crash of the private jet raises questions about the circumstances and motivations behind the crash. Speculation revolves around whether this was an act of revenge against Pregozian, who had challenged the Russian authorities’ power. He had numerous enemies within Russia, which adds to the mystery surrounding the crash.
Yevgeny Pregozian’s rise to power and leadership of the Wagner Group is notable. He took an unconventional path, from being imprisoned for robbery and theft in 1981 to becoming a hot dog salesman in Saint Petersburg after his release. By 1997, he was running a successful restaurant, which provided him with connections. He even served food to world leaders, including Putin. As Russia annexed Crimea and launched activities in Ukraine, Pregozian played a role, eventually leading to the formation of the Wagner Battalion.
The Wagner Group’s influence extended beyond Ukraine to activities like alleged interference in the 2016 US election and support for pro-government forces in Syria. Reports also linked Wagner to military and commercial activities in Africa, including accusations of human rights abuses.
Pregozian’s involvement escalated during the war in Ukraine. As the death toll among Wagner forces rose, so did Pregozian’s discontent. He expressed his frustration through video rants and a short-lived mutiny against Putin’s authority. Despite being labeled as a traitor by Putin, Pregozian was not arrested, leading to speculations about Putin’s motives.
In Moscow, reactions to the news of the crash were mixed. Some expressed indifference, while others saw it as expected due to Pregozian’s controversial actions. The crash raises questions about whether it was an orchestrated act of revenge or a coincidental tragedy.
Internationally, governments are monitoring the situation closely. President Biden acknowledged the reports and mentioned the strong association of events in Russia with Putin’s involvement.
Overall, this incident adds another layer of complexity to the already convoluted narrative surrounding Yevgeny Pregozian, the Wagner Group, and their influence on Russian and international affairs. The motivations behind the crash and its aftermath remain subject to investigation and speculation.