Presumed Death of Wagner Chief Yevgeny Prigozhin Shores Up Putin’s Authority
Introduction
Prominent Kremlin critic Bill Browder believes that the presumed death of Yevgeny Prigozhin, the chief of the Wagner Group, will strengthen President Vladimir Putin’s authority. Browder states that Putin “never forgives and never forgets.”
The Plane Crash
Russian aviation officials recently reported that Prigozhin was believed to have been killed in a plane crash. The business jet crashed in the Tver region northwest of Moscow, resulting in the deaths of all 10 people onboard, including Prigozhin and senior Wagner commander Dmitry Utkin. However, NBC news has not confirmed Prigozhin’s presence on the plane.
Speculation and Reactions
Russia’s Federal Agency for Air Transport is investigating the cause of the crash. Many speculate that Prigozhin was targeted due to his armed mutiny against the Russian government in June. Bill Browder, a critic of the Kremlin, states that Prigozhin’s death will solidify Putin’s authority. Ian Bremmer, president of Eurasia Group, describes it as a reminder that Putin remains in control. Mykhailo Podolyak, Ukrainian presidential advisor, interprets Prigozhin’s death as a message from Putin to Russia’s elites. Samantha de Bendern of the Chatham House think tank suggests that the dismissals of Gen. Sergei Surovikin and the plane crash indicate the need to eliminate Prigozhin and his associates. Garry Kasparov, another Kremlin critic, believes that these events reflect a dangerous situation for Putin.
Conclusion
The presumed death of Yevgeny Prigozhin has significant implications for Russian politics. Various scenarios could unfold in the coming days, including Putin accusing Ukraine, opening an investigation into the crash, or emerging as a weakened leader. Regardless, critics express concern over the lack of trust and loyalty within Putin’s inner circle.