In a recent development, the United States government has suggested that a surface-to-air missile, believed to have originated from within Russia, may have been responsible for downing a private jet carrying the alleged leader of the mercenary group Wagner, Yevgeny Prigozhin, along with nine other passengers. The incident occurred on Wednesday and sent shockwaves through the region.
Anonymous sources within the US authorities confirmed this information to Reuters. However, it’s important to note that the details are still considered preliminary and are currently undergoing a thorough review. The tragedy unfolded when the private jet crashed north of Moscow, resulting in the tragic loss of all ten individuals on board.
The Russian Civil Aviation Authority confirmed the presence of Yevgeny Prigozhin on the passenger list of the ill-fated flight, adding weight to the reports of his involvement in the crash. The Embraer aircraft, carrying seven passengers and three crew members, was en route from Moscow to St Petersburg. The jet tragically crashed in the Tver region, north of the Russian capital.
In an unusual twist, just a few days prior to the crash, Yevgeny Prigozhin shared his first video address since an aborted mutiny in June. The content and implications of this video remain uncertain, adding an air of intrigue to the circumstances leading up to the incident.
Meanwhile, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has vehemently denied any involvement of his country in the plane crash and the death of Yevgeny Prigozhin. Speaking to reporters on Thursday, President Zelensky stated, “We have nothing to do with this situation, that’s for sure. I think everyone knows who this concerns.” The statement underscores Ukraine’s non-involvement in the unfortunate event.
As investigations continue into this tragic incident, the international community watches closely for further updates on the cause of the crash and any potential connections to the alleged mercenary leader, Yevgeny Prigozhin.
