Putin Offers Condolences To Family Of Dead Mercenary

The Washington Post reports:

In Russian President Vladimir Putin’s first remarks on the mysterious plane crash in the Tver region of Russia on Wednesday, he appeared to eulogize Wagner Group chief Yevgeniy Prigozhin, but stopped short of confirming his death. He promised a full investigation, saying it would take “some time.” He said he had known Prigozhin, an ally-turned-rival who led a short-lived mutiny against the Kremlin in June, since the 1990s, calling him a “talented person” who “made serious mistakes.”

Read the full article.

Vladimir Putin confirms Yevgeny Prigozhin died when the Wagner founder’s plane crashed yesterday.

” I knew Prigozhin for a long time, from the early 1990s. He had a difficult path and made serious mistakes in his life. But he got results – for himself, and when I asked him.” pic.twitter.com/dYZTRVOW5q

— max seddon (@maxseddon) August 24, 2023

Silovik-connected Telegram says the Prigozhin crash investigation is leaning in the “bomb” direction and maybe fingering his absentee personal pilot. (Makes sense, given that it’s too easy to attribute responsibility with a missile at this altitude.) https://t.co/eqCkUPbJX4

— Kevin Rothrock (@KevinRothrock) August 24, 2023

⚡️WSJ: US officials do not believe air defense shot down Prigozhin plane.

The plane crash which allegedly killed Russian warlord Yevgeny Prigozhin was likely caused by a bomb onboard or “some other form of sabotage,” according to unnamed U.S. officials cited by the Wall Street… pic.twitter.com/JTNt6h0EHl

— The Kyiv Independent (@KyivIndependent) August 24, 2023

Putin Expresses Condolences Over Prigozhin Jet Crash. This is pure Mafia, straight out of a Godfather film. Kill your enemies and then express condolences to their families. https://t.co/sxIGL1mkZL

— Bill Browder (@Billbrowder) August 24, 2023