Putin Addresses Prigozhin's Death and Acknowledges Errors in Failed Coup Attempt

Russian President Vladimir Putin comments on the death of Yevgeny Prigozhin

Russian President Vladimir Putin has commented on the death of Yevgeny Prigozhin, the leader of the Wagner paramilitary group. Prigozhin had previously attempted to overthrow the Russian government but failed in his endeavor. Putin stated that Prigozhin had made "serious mistakes" before his death in a plane crash this week.

Video emerges of plane crash

A video has emerged showing a plane, carrying a person named Prigozhin, crashing in Russia. The video shows a plume of white smoke where an explosion occurred, leading to the crash. Russian President Putin acknowledged knowing Prigozhin since the 1990s and described him as a person with a complicated past who made serious mistakes but achieved successful results. Putin also mentioned that Prigozhin was a talented businessman who worked both in Russia and abroad, particularly in Africa.

Investigation into the event

The article discusses an individual who was recently involved in the oil, gas, precious metals, and stones industry. The person had just returned from Africa and had met with some officials. The head of the Investigative Committee has confirmed that a preliminary investigation into an event involving this individual has begun and will be carried out thoroughly.

Private jet shot down

A private jet owned by Prigozhin, a prominent figure, has been shot down by Russian air defenses over Tver. The incident has resulted in the death of around 10 people who were onboard. This news comes shortly after General Sergei Surovikin, also known as "General Armageddon," was removed as head of Russia's air force. Surovikin had gone missing during an attempted coup and was accused by some of being involved in it.

Former chief of Russian Air and Space Forces removed

According to Reuters, a high-ranking Russian official has stated that Sergei Surovikin, the former chief of the Russian Air and Space Forces, has been removed from his position. In his place, Colonel-General Viktor Afzalov, the head of the main staff of the Air Force, will temporarily serve as the acting commander-in-chief of the Air Force.

Background of Yevgeny Prigozhin

The article provides information about Yevgeny Prigozhin, a Russian businessman who served time in prison for assault, robbery, and fraud in the 1980s. After his release, he started selling hot dogs on street corners and later ventured into the catering business. It was during this time that he crossed paths with Russian President Vladimir Putin, who was a low-level government official at the time.

Concord Catering and the establishment of Wagner

Concord Catering, owned by Russian businessman Yevgeny Prigozhin, began receiving contracts from the Russian government in the 1990s. A Wall Street Journal documentary alleges that the Russian government funneled money through Concord Catering, which Prigozhin later used to establish Wagner. Wagner is a private military company consisting of former Russian soldiers who were deployed to Ukraine in 2014 to carry out tasks on behalf of Russia.

Wagner's activities and connection to the Russian government

The Russian government has been using a paramilitary group called Wagner to carry out covert operations and dirty work while maintaining plausible deniability. Wagner, described as a "state-backed paramilitary cartel," has reportedly received billions of dollars in government contracts through Concord Catering. The group is accused of committing atrocities such as massacres and rapes of civilians, as well as exploiting natural resources like gold, oil, and gas in unstable countries. The profits from these activities are believed to benefit the Russian government.

Report reveals links to Kremlin

A recent report by The Wall Street Journal has revealed that a group called Wagner, which operates in various regions including South America, Africa, the Middle East, Asia, and Europe, is linked to 64 companies that act as front companies for money and asset movement. The report suggests that the Kremlin is connected to all of these activities.