Vladimir Putin breaks silence on Wagner chief Yevgeny Prigozhin’s death, says he made ‘mistakes’ but also delivered ‘results’

Moscow: Russian President Vladimir Putin on Thursday expressed his “condolence” over the reported death of Wagner chief Yevgeny Prigozhin. The Russian premier described him as a man who made mistakes but also achieved ‘results’. Wagner chief Yevgeny Prigozhin, who staged a brief coup against top Russian military officials, is believed to be dead after his name appeared on the passenger list of a private jet that crashed north of Moscow on Wednesday, killing all on board. 10 people died.

The plane crash came just two months after Wagner’s brief rebellion against Moscow’s military leadership. An investigation is underway to find out the reason behind the accident. “First of all I would like to express my condolences to the families of all the victims,” ​​Vladimir Putin said in a televised meeting. This incident is a tragic incident. I have known Yevgeny Prigozhin for a long time, since the early 90s. He was a man of complicated destiny, and he made serious mistakes in his life, but he achieved the right results.’

The Russian president also highlighted Yevgeny Prigozhin’s work in Africa, where the Wagner chief claimed to be earlier this week. The Wagner group maintains a significant military presence in Africa. Putin added, ‘As far as I know, he just returned from Africa yesterday and met some officials there.’ He said, ‘Investigation of the accident will take some time. A thorough and meticulous investigation will be conducted, bringing the accident to a conclusion. It has no message’

Vladimir Putin also said that the Wagner members who died in the accident made an ‘important contribution’ to Russia’s war against Ukraine. He said, ‘We remember them, we know them and we will not forget them.’ Among those killed in the accident was Dmitry Yutkin, who ran the Wagner Group. He was employed by the Russian Military Intelligence. Earlier this year, Yevgeny Prigozhin was branded a ‘traitor’ by Vladimir Putin following the Wagner Group coup in June.

,

Tags: Russia, Ukraine war, Vladimir Putin, Wagner Group