On Wednesday, Kremlin officials ruled out the involvement of international agencies in the investigation into the plane crash. The focus remained on the path of Yevgueni Prigozhin, head of the Wagner mercenary group, with observers noting that the incident could be viewed as a deliberate attack rather than a mere accident.
During a press briefing, a spokesperson stated that the investigation falls under the Russian Investigative Committee, a point reiterated by President Vladimir Putin. As a result, international participation in the probe was deemed inappropriate at this stage. Some analysts cited the official stance as reflecting a desire to preserve sovereignty over the proceedings.
The Kremlin representative noted that multiple scenarios are being considered, including a possible premeditated act, which would demand a thorough, multi-faceted inquiry rather than a routine aviation incident review. The spokesperson urged patience while the investigation unfolds and results are compiled.
Independent outlet Meduza reported, without naming sources, that the Moscow-based Interstate Aviation Committee is reviewing matters within the post-Soviet Commonwealth of Independent States and indicated it may not align with international standards in this case. The committee subsequently issued a brief statement noting it would not be conducting an international-style probe and declined to discuss the specifics surrounding the incident.
Several international media outlets noted that agencies from Brazil, including the Cenipa aviation safety center, and Embraer, the aircraft’s manufacturer, expressed interest in participating to offer technical insights into the crash and its context.
The Embraer aircraft, carrying Prigozhin along with nine others including senior Wagner officers, departed Moscow for a route toward St. Petersburg, before crashing in the Tver region en route to its final destination. The incident has since prompted a detailed review of flight data, maintenance histories, and crew records.
Russian authorities have confirmed that all passengers and crew, including Prigozhin, have been identified. A funeral service for the individuals was held privately on Tuesday, with security measures kept strictly behind the scenes.
As of now, no official statement has pinpointed the cause of the crash. Early theories point to an onboard explosion as a plausible factor, though investigators have not ruled out other possibilities, including mechanical failure or external interference.
Supporters of Prigozhin, along with exiled Russian opposition figures and a range of international observers, have weighed in with speculation and commentary about the broader political implications of his death, especially given the recent tensions between the Kremlin and the Wagner leadership.
President Vladimir Putin offered condolences for the deceased, and a Kremlin representative subsequently rejected suggestions that the president ordered any harm to come to Prigozhin, emphasizing that such claims are unfounded and that the state remains focused on a transparent inquiry.