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Disinformation Around the Reported Demise of Russian Warlord Yevgeny Prigozhin

Ouissal Harize Ouissal Harize
News
26th August 2023
Disinformation Around the Reported Demise of Russian Warlord Yevgeny Prigozhin
Experts urge caution in analyzing the death of Yevgeny Prigozhin (Getty)

When the news of the possible demise of Yevgeny Prigozhin, the leader of Wagner Group, surfaced, experts promptly emphasized the need for cautious analysis. The circumstances surrounding his apparent death raise questions, with some suggesting that the reported plane crash could potentially be an orchestrated assassination, or a strategic disinformation campaign executed by the Kremlin.

The Puzzling Scenario of Yevgeny Prigozhin’s Death : Accident or Assassination?

Experts caution against dismissing the reported crash as a mere accident. A prominent military intelligence analyst, a former senior official at the Defense Intelligence Agency, and the author of "Putin’s Playbook" opined that the convergence of events would be too coincidental to label it as a mere accident. The analyst proposed that it's plausible that Prigozhin's demise might have been the result of an assassination, possibly orchestrated on Putin's orders. This theory gains traction due to Prigozhin's vocal critique of the Russian military establishment and his defiance of Russian military leaders.

The Plane Crash and Prigozhin's Alleged Presence

According to reports from Russian media, a private plane tragically crashed outside Moscow, leading to the loss of ten lives. The aircraft was en route from Moscow to St. Petersburg when it met its unfortunate fate. While there is yet to be independent verification that Prigozhin was indeed on board, the Russian warlord was reportedly listed among the passengers by the Federal Air Transport Agency.

A Closer Look at Yevgeny Prigozhin's Profile

Yevgeny Prigozhin, a Russian billionaire and businessman, had been a prominent figure in the Russian-Turkish talks, as well as a player in national and international affairs. Notably, Prigozhin's involvement in a coup or uprising against Russian President Vladimir Putin earlier in the year had garnered significant attention. His role and actions had sparked discussions about his potential influence and standing within Russia.

Speculations and Theories: Kremlin's Involvement and Motivations

Lt. Col Daniel L. Davis, a seasoned military expert, and senior fellow at Defense Priorities, raised a critical question regarding the Kremlin's possible involvement in the crash. He suggested that the crash could have been a calculated move by the Kremlin in response to Prigozhin's involvement in the uprising. Speculation arises as to whether Putin might have ordered an assassination as a form of retribution for Prigozhin's role in the destabilizing events.

Unraveling Prigozhin's Impact and Russia's Future

Prigozhin's role in the June coup attempt and his subsequent actions had far-reaching implications. His followers hailed him as a military hero, with ambitions of making both Russia and Africa "greater" and "freer." His exploits and intentions positioned him as a figure of influence, capable of impacting both international relations and domestic stability.

Navigating the Landscape of Speculation

Amid the swirl of speculation, caution is paramount. Analysts stress the complexity of the situation and the need to approach it with skepticism. Given the intricate web of allegiances and rivalries, it is prudent to await independent confirmation before making any definitive declarations about Prigozhin's fate.

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