DNA analysis conducted on the human remains recovered from the private plane crash that occurred in the northwest of Moscow last week, claiming the lives of all 10 individuals on board, has officially verified the demise of Yevgeny V. Prigozhin, the leader of the Wagner Group, as announced by Russian investigators on Sunday.
Svetlana Petrenko, a spokesperson for Russia’s Federal Air Transport Agency, relayed this information via a Telegram post, stating, “Genetic examinations have been completed, and based on their results, the identities of all 10 deceased have been established, confirming their correspondence with the passenger list mentioned in the flight manifest.”
The manifest for the Embraer business jet not only included the three-person flight crew but also the six top lieutenants of Prigozhin, delivering a severe blow to the mercenary group that had previously demonstrated exceptional efficiency within Russia’s military operations. Prigozhin, who had once achieved folk-hero status among the Russian populace, fell out of favor with President Vladimir Putin due to his unrelenting criticism of the Russian military establishment and its leadership. This eventually led to an ill-fated 36-hour rebellion.
A preliminary intelligence assessment by U.S. authorities, which was revealed by unnamed U.S. and Western officials on Wednesday, indicates that the plane crash last week resulted from a deliberate explosion. The Kremlin has vehemently denied any involvement in the incident, and investigations into its cause are still ongoing.
On the day following the crash, President Putin extended his condolences to the victims’ families, acknowledging Prigozhin’s “significant contribution” to Russia’s war efforts. Putin, however, also noted Prigozhin’s turbulent life and significant mistakes, adding that “he achieved the results he needed.”
Advancements:
- The Russian military has reported launching long-range missile strikes on an airfield near Kyiv, asserting that “the purpose of the strike was achieved.”
- In a tragic incident, legendary Ukrainian fighter pilot Andrii Pilshchykov, known as “Juice,” lost his life in a collision between two aircraft, as reported by Ukraine Pravda.
As Ukraine Regains Ground, Russia Gears Up for Its Offensive Move:
Amidst Ukraine’s gradual regaining of territory previously seized by Russia during the 18-month war, the Russian forces have amassed over 100,000 troops in the Kupiansk-Lyman sector of the front in Kharkiv and Luhansk, according to statements made by Illia Yevlash, the press officer of the Eastern Force Grouping. These troops appear to be paving the way for Russia’s own offensive, even as Ukraine makes territorial gains.
The British Defense Ministry, in a recent assessment, noted that as Ukraine continues its advances in the south, Russia is likely to attempt to regain the initiative by launching an operational-level offensive. The Kupiansk-Lyman region is identified as a potential area for such a move.