Wagner Leader Prigozhin Confirmed Dead Following DNA Analysis

Russian officials have unveiled the identities of the 10 victims of plane crash last week, one of whom was Yevgeny Prigozhin, the former leader of the Wagner mercenary group.

Aviation authorities had previously shared a list of passengers on the plane, which was en route to Saint Petersburg from Moscow. Among them were Prigozhin and his trusted aide, Dmitry Utkin, a pivotal figure in Wagner's inception.

Following extensive genetic tests, the fatalities were conclusively identified, according to Russia's Investigative Committee, Reuters reported.

Given Prigozhin's known penchant for high-security measures, there had been swirling rumors on certain Telegram channels questioning his actual presence on the ill-fated flight. The cause behind the crash remains undisclosed.

The crash occurred two months after Prigozhin and his Wagner soldiers rebelled against Russian military leaders. They managed to seize Rostov and even made a bold move towards Moscow.

Also Read: Old Video Of Russian President Saying ‘Betrayal’ Is Unforgivable Goes Viral After Wagner Chief’s Plane Crash

The audacious act was labeled a "betrayal" by Russian President Vladimir Putin, who, despite their differences, later convened with Prigozhin and expressed his condolences following the crash. 

Since the latest incident, there has been speculative chatter in Western circles hinting at Putin's role in orchestrating Prigozhin's demise as retribution for the uprising. The conjectures were swiftly refuted by the Kremlin's spokesperson Dmitry Peskov.

Wagner's troops have been instrumental in the eastern Ukraine conflict, particularly during the seige on Ukraine's Bakhmut. After Prigozhin openly opposed Russia's war strategies, the army exited Ukraine. A significant number of Wagner soldiers have since settled in Belarus, following a pact that concluded their revolt. 

Now Read: Putin Fled Moscow? Presidential Plane Was Spotted Leaving Country Amid Wagner's Uprising

This content was partially produced with the help of AI tools and was reviewed and published by Benzinga editors.

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