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Russian President Vladimir Putin has offered his condolences to the family of Yevgeny Prigozhin, the leader of the Wagner mercenary group, who is believed to have died in a plane crash this week.

During a meeting in the Kremlin, Putin expressed his sympathies and praised Prigozhin as a “talented businessman.”

The crash occurred northwest of Moscow, and although the remains of the 10 individuals on board are yet to be conclusively identified, preliminary data suggests that Wagner company employees were among the victims.

Putin acknowledged the tragedy of the aviation incident and extended his condolences to the families of all the victims. He emphasised the significant role that Wagner company employees played in combating what he referred to as the “neo-Nazi regime” in Ukraine.

Putin noted that their contributions would not be forgotten and expressed his knowledge of their involvement, but didn’t mention anything about the Wagner group’s involvement in the mutiny against Russian army leadership earlier this year..

Prigozhin, who had a criminal background and went on to establish a successful catering business before founding the Wagner mercenary group, was part of the attempted coup against Russia’s military two months prior to the crash. Putin may be all ‘RIP’s and condolences now, but at the time of the mutiny called it a “betrayal”.

Putin’s relationship with Prigozhin dates back to the early 1990’s, in the aftermath of the Soviet Union’s collapse. The Russian President recognised Prigozhin’s achievements in his latest response, not only in Russia but also in Africa, where he was involved in sectors such as oil, gas and precious metals.

The Russian leader also confirmed that a preliminary investigation into the crash has been initiated by the Investigative Committee, and the process will continue until its conclusion. Apparently expert examinations, technical assessments, and genetic testing are underway to ascertain the circumstances of the incident.

Stoney-faced Putin doesn’t give a lot away when it comes to briefings like this, but we nervously await as more details emerge as to why and when the aeroplane went down in flames.

[source:news24]