Wagner mercenary chief Yevgeny Prigozhin is presumed dead, having been named as one of ten passengers in a private jet that crashed north of Moscow. A key ally of Vladimir Putin, his private military company has played a key role in Ukraine following Moscow's invasion in February 2022. But his relationship with Putin soured after he ordered his troops to march on Moscow in a day-long rebellion against Russia's military leaders in June. The details of the crash are not clear, but claims that it was shot down have not been substantiated. The following day Putin said he had sent condolences to Prigozhin’s family. His death will leave Putin stronger in the short term, removing a powerful figure who had played an important part in the war but had also been openly critical of Russia’s military leaders.
Russia: Wagner leader reported killed in air crash
Written by David Fletcher 24 Aug 2023Additional Info
- Pray: that Putin’s attitude to the war will continue to attract criticism and opposition. (Psalm 1:5)
- More: www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-europe-66596127
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