Dmitry Peskov, the Kremlin spokesperson and a prominent voice within the Russian power structure, commented Friday on what he called statements attributed to President Vladimir Putin regarding the death of Evgeny Prigozhin, the founder of the Wagner mercenary group. Prigozhin died on Wednesday when a private jet crashed, a development that has sparked widespread speculation about the circumstances and possible state involvement. Peskov described Western reporting as presenting events through a single lens and asserted that the Kremlin would rely on verified facts as inquiries unfold. He suggested that Washington’s public narrative is shaped by prior episodes and argued that the truth must emerge from solid evidence, not conjecture.
The Kremlin noted that autopsy results had not yet been released, meaning confirmation of Prigozhin’s death remains pending. What is confirmed is that Prigozhin and several of his close associates were aboard the Wagner jet, including his reputed deputy, Dmitri Utkin. While some Russian Telegram channels speculated about distinctive features to identify the bodies, no official confirmation has been issued.
Doubts from the West
Britain’s Ministry of Defence acknowledged that Prigozhin is likely to be dead but emphasized that there is no conclusive evidence that he was aboard at the time of the crash. Officials noted the official tally of ten people on board, a list that reportedly included Wagner’s founder, and highlighted the challenges in confirming Prigozhin’s presence given the specific security measures surrounding his movements.
A Defense Intelligence update from late August 2023 referenced in public messages underscored the assessment that Prigozhin’s disappearance could have a destabilizing effect on Wagner. Observers described Prigozhin as a highly active and results-driven leader whose blunt style and willingness to take bold risks helped shape the group, a combination that would make a smooth successor difficult to appoint. In addition to Prigozhin, the defense analysis namechecked other key figures such as field commander Dmitri Utkin and logistics chief Valeri Chekalov as potentially affected by the event.
News surrounding the incident noted that the crash occurred roughly two months after Prigozhin led a revolt against Moscow’s leadership that some described as unfinished. Theories circulated about possible causes, including a possible external attack on the aircraft, although investigators also considered a conventional crash due to mechanical failure or human error. Early reports did not settle on a definitive explanation as inquiries continued.
US Interest
U.S. officials indicated that the crash could be classified as a murder or a deliberate act, a hypothesis that United States leaders have addressed cautiously. President Joe Biden, while not claiming to have complete information, remarked that Prigozhin’s demise would not be surprising given the volatility surrounding Wagner’s operations. The Kremlin criticized these public remarks, arguing that the U.S. president should refrain from speculating about a tragedy. The exchange underscored the heightened sensitivity of the situation for U.S.-Russia relations.
Officials in Washington expressed concern about potential national security implications, with military spokespeople pledging continued vigilance. The Defense Department emphasized that Wagner does not presently play an active role on the Ukrainian battlefield but remains a factor to watch in Africa and the broader security environment. Analysts warned that the group’s future behavior could influence regional stability, including in Central African states, and stressed the need to monitor any operational shifts that might arise from leadership transitions.