There are fears Wagner leader Yevgeny Prigozhin is dead in a plane crash north of Moscow, international media reports.
Multiple media channels have reported that Prigozhin, who posted the first video today since falling out with Russian leader Vladimir Putin, could be dead because his name is listed on a manifest of the plane that went down.
At least ten people have been confirmed dead after the private jet crashed north of Moscow – with the Russian Civil Aviation Authority saying Yevgeny Prigozhin was on the passenger list.
Seven passengers and three crew were on board the Embraer aircraft, which was en route from Moscow to St Petersburg, according to TASS news agency as quoted by Sky News.
🚨🇷🇺 Russian air defences caught on camera shooting down private jet belonging to Wagner Leader Yevgeny Prigozhin over Tver region.
Pretty clear message from Putin. pic.twitter.com/DAOcz16yr4
— Concerned Citizen (@BGatesIsaPyscho) August 23, 2023
The jet is said to have crashed in the Tver region, north of Moscow and Multiple videos posted on social appear to show the jet crashing.
Prigozhin, who is believed to have been on board the flight, shared his first video address since his aborted June mutiny just two days ago.
“An investigation has been launched into the Embraer plane crash that occurred tonight in the Tver region. According to the passenger list, among them is the name and surname of Yevgeny Prigozhin,” Rosaviatsia said.
The Wagner Group boss – who was sent to Belarus in the aftermath of his march on Moscow – released footage of himself speaking while wearing camouflage and holding a rifle.
Prigozhin appeared to be in Africa in the video, and he also spoke about Russia making the continent “free”.
