In a recently surfaced video, Yevgeny Prigozhin, the enigmatic figure behind the Wagner group, addressed rumors surrounding his health and threats to his life just days before his tragic death. While this video offers a brief insight into his final moments, the circumstances surrounding his demise remain shrouded in mystery.
The Video Revelation: Prigozhin’s Assurance
Published by the Grey Zone Telegram channel linked to the Wagner group, the video features Prigozhin in Africa, clarifying speculations about his well-being. He addresses those who pondered his existence, the status of his private life, and his ongoing work. Prigozhin’s words resonate with a sense of assurance: “For everyone discussing whether I’m alive or not and how I’m doing. It’s currently a weekend in the second half of August 2023. I’m in Africa. So for those who like to speculate about my liquidation, my private life, my work there, or anything else: everything’s fine.”
Unverifiable Details: Location and Date
The authenticity of the video remains unverified, and establishing its precise location and date proves elusive. It was recorded within a moving vehicle. However, Prigozhin’s appearance in the video aligns with his image in a separate video released on August 21, where he also claimed to be in Africa. By referencing his “weekend in the second half of August,” it can be deduced that the latest clip was filmed on August 19 or 20, just days before his tragic fate.
A Tragic End: The Business Jet Crash
On August 23, Yevgeny Prigozhin’s life came to a sudden and tragic end when his business jet crashed. This incident occurred two months after he orchestrated an aborted mutiny against Russian military commanders, during which his Wagner mercenary forces briefly seized control of Rostov, a southern city, and advanced towards Moscow.
In the weeks leading up to his demise, Prigozhin found himself entangled in a struggle with Russia’s defense ministry concerning the future of his business ventures in Africa. The video’s content suggests that Prigozhin was keenly aware of the dangers that loomed over his life.
A Man of Paranoia: Protecting His Safety
Prigozhin had earned a reputation for his obsession with personal security. He frequently employed body doubles and disguises to thwart potential threats on his life. This inherent paranoia, it seems, was not unwarranted.
The Denial: Kremlin Rejects Involvement
The Kremlin vehemently denied any involvement in Prigozhin’s death, categorically dismissing Western intelligence assessments that implicated Vladimir Putin. The Russian authorities launched an investigation into the plane crash but have yet to provide a conclusive account of the incident. Notably, Moscow has declared that the crash will not be probed under international protocols.
The Mysterious Farewell: A Closed Ceremony
Yevgeny Prigozhin’s final farewell was characterized by an unusual level of secrecy. He was buried on the outskirts of his hometown, St. Petersburg, in a ceremony closed to outsiders. The Kremlin notably refrained from granting him a state funeral, likely to prevent his death from becoming a large-scale public show of support for the warlord.
Remembering Dmitry Utkin: Prigozhin’s Second-in-Command
In the wake of the tragedy, mourners gathered for the funeral of Dmitry Utkin, Prigozhin’s second-in-command, who also lost his life in the plane crash. Utkin, a former military intelligence officer frequently described as the co-founder of Wagner, was laid to rest at Mytishchi cemetery on the outskirts of Moscow.
A Controversial Figure: Neo-Nazi Tattoos
While there are few available photographs of Dmitry Utkin, one particular image in circulation portrays him in a revealing light. A selfie featuring Utkin displays neo-Nazi tattoos on his shoulders, offering a glimpse into his controversial past.
As we delve into the enigmatic world of Yevgeny Prigozhin and his final days, the questions surrounding his death continue to outnumber the answers. The video serves as a poignant reminder of the uncertainties that persist in this complex and ever-evolving narrative.
