Wagner leader 'killed in private jet crash' in Russia months after coup against Putin
Wagner boss Yevgeny Prigozhin has been reportedly killed following a plane crash in Russia, along with nine other passengers
Reuters
Wagner boss Yevgeny Prigozhin has been reportedly killed following a plane crash in Russia, along with nine other passengers.
Russian authorities claim the Wagner chief was listed on the passenger roster of a private jet, which is said to have crashed in the Tver region, north of Moscow.
Seven passengers and three crew were on board the Embraer aircraft, which was travelling from Moscow to St Petersburg, it has been claimed.
Prigozhin led an attempted mutiny against the Russian armed forces in June.
Seven passengers and three crew were on board the Embraer aircraft, which was travelling from Moscow to St Petersburg, it has been claimed
Reuters
Just two days ago, the warlord shared his first video address since his aborted mutiny.
The chief was sent to Belarus in the aftermath of the coup and has since released footage of himself speaking while wearing camouflage and holding a rifle.
Video footage of the plane falling out of the sky before later being seen burning in a field is now circulating social media.
A channel linked to Wagner said the aircraft had been shot down by air defences, but this has not yet been confirmed.
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The Federal Air Transport Agency, also known as Rosaviatsiya, said in a statement: "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."
Prigozhin was forced to call off his June mutiny attempt and eventually brokered an agreement with Belarusian leader Alexander Lukashenko.
The deal saw the Wagner Group leader enter exile in Belarus but the 62-year-old was thought to have returned to Russia under several disguises.
Video footage of the plane falling out of the sky before later being seen burning in a field is now circulating social media
Reuters
He previously lambasted defence minister Sergei Shoigu and top general Valery Gerasimov over Russia’s handling of Putin’s invasion of Ukraine.
Progozhin had been warned not to go into high buildings for fear of accidents after leading the coup.
Tass news agency said the plane caught fire on hitting the ground, adding that four bodies had already been found.