It was probably his biggest mistake to lead a mutiny against the Kremlin. Russian watchers described him as a ‘dead man walking.’
Consequently, Russian reports put Yevgeny Prigozhin among those in a plane crash near the village of Kuzhenkino in the Tver Region with no survivors.
Prigozhin was once an arm’s length away from President Vladimir Putin. He was Putin’s “personal chef” and rose to pose the greatest threat to his rule in the midst of the ‘special operation’ in Ukraine.
In sum two months after launching his march for justice, Prigozhin is reportedly dead, pending confirmation. It would stand as a clearly short-lived mutiny against the Kremlin if his death is confirmed.
Despite recently keeping a low profile, Prigozhin has had a very upbeat profile. He was not considered to be part of the Russian power circle, but he was within reach of those who called the shots.
Rise to power
His life in Saint Petersburg was one of lawlessness and crime. He turned to catering, and this is where he met President Putin, who turned to him to provide food for his birthday parties as well as dinners with visiting leaders.
Among those leaders was former United States President George W. Bush.
Prigozhin would then have Putin’s ear and be introduced to the Russian army in 2012, supplying food.
Having finally joined the inner circle of Putin’s trusted men, he became the head of the strongest mercenary group in Russia.
Prigozhin would handle different security jobs in Syria, Libya, and West Africa.
The Downfall
Having been embedded in the Russian army, President Putin would later rely on him to infiltrate Ukraine in his ‘special operation.’
Putin regretted this decision when Prigozhin held a mutiny criticizing Russian efforts in Ukraine.
Many globally saw this as a potential turning point for Russia’s position in the war. Some even predicted a victory for Ukraine.
Many speculated about the active whereabouts of the 60-year-old after he called out the Kremlin.
A video surfaced online where he did a piece for the camera, claiming the Wagner group made Russia powerful and Africa free.
Russian media reports that the bodies retrieved from the plane crash site will undergo genetic testing for identification.
Resultantly, with the chess pieces in the Kremlin moving fast, a purge of the top-ranking generals under Prigozhin seems imminent.
