MOSCOW: The chief of the Wagner mercenary group, which in June attempted to topple Russia’s army leadership, was on board a plane that crashed on Wednesday, with all passengers killed, Russian authorities confirmed. The accident comes sixty days after the head of the group launched a rebellion — seen as the major challenge to President Putin’s government since he came to power. According to initial information, all 10 passengers on board died, including crew members, the ministry said. Russia’s aviation agency later confirmed the Wagner chief was also on board.
At least 10 people have been killed in a private plane crash north of Moscow, with the Russian Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) stating that Wagner leader Yevgeny Prigozhin was on the passenger list.
“A private aircraft traveling from Moscow to Saint Petersburg crashed in the Tver Region. There were 10 people on board, including three crew members. According to initial information, all those on board died,” the Ministry of Emergency Situations reported on Telegram.
Seven passengers and three crew members were on board the Embraer plane, which was en route from the capital, Moscow, to St. Petersburg, according to Western media reports.
Russian state-run news agencies stated that the head of the Wagner group, Yevgeny Prigozhin, was on the list of passengers of the crashed plane. “The private plane that crashed near Moscow listed Yevgeny Prigozhin among its passengers,” Russia’s aviation agency Rosaviatsia said. Russia’s TASS news agency reported, with RIA Novosti and Interfax issuing similar reports.
The aircraft is said to have crashed in the Tver region, north of Moscow. Several videos shared on social media appear to show the plane crashing.
Investigation into Plane Crash Incident
An investigation has been initiated into the crash of the Embraer aircraft that occurred tonight in the Tver region.
Prigozhin, who is believed to have been traveling on the flight, shared his first video speech since his aborted June mutiny just two days ago. The Wagner Group leader, who was sent to Belarus after his march on Moscow, released a video in which he is seen wearing camouflage and holding a rifle. He appeared to be in Africa in the footage, and he also spoke about Russia working to liberate the continent. After his march on Moscow, questions have arisen regarding whether the Wagner boss can survive.
Ukraine’s presidential advisor Mykhaylo Podolyak said in a statement via social media that the plane crash was “a signal from Putin to Russia’s elites ahead of the 2024 polls. ‘Beware! Disloyalty equals death.”
