The U.S. Department of Defense, through its spokesperson, stated that the founder of the Wagner Group, Yevgeny Prigozhin, most likely died in a plane crash in Russia’s Tver region. Officials noted there have been no reports indicating the aircraft was struck by ground-fired missiles. The briefing was shared on the department’s public platform, reflecting the DOD’s early assessment of the incident.
During a briefing, the spokesperson conveyed that initial analyses point to a probable death for Prigozhin, while emphasizing that there is no evidence suggesting a surface-to-air missile brought down the jet.
On the evening of August 23, an Embraer Legacy private jet crashed near Kuzhenkino, in the Tver region, along the Moscow–Saint Petersburg corridor. The incident drew immediate attention due to Prigozhin’s presence on board, as confirmed by officials from the Federal Air Transport Agency.
Following the crash, authorities initiated a formal investigation to determine the causes and circumstances surrounding the accident in the Tver region. Investigators are examining flight data, maintenance records, and potential contributing factors to provide a clear account of what occurred.
Public commentary surrounding the crash has included remarks from notable tech entrepreneur Elon Musk, who weighed in on the event, reflecting the international interest and speculation surrounding Prigozhin’s role and fate. The ongoing inquiry remains the primary source for conclusions about the incident, with official updates expected as the investigation progresses.