Wagner mercenary chief Prigozhin confirmed dead in plane crash, Russia says after DNA analysis
NBCSep 01, 2023
The Facts
On Sunday, Russia's Investigative Committee said that DNA testing of the remains of all ten victims of Wednesday's plane crash outside Moscow has established the identities of the deceased, and they "conform to the manifest."
Among the passengers listed onboard the Embraer private jet were Wagner chief Yevgeny Prigozhin and Dmitry Utkin — who reportedly managed Wagner's operations and allegedly served in Russian military intelligence.
The Spin
Anti-Russia narrative
The Wagner boss had a history of disappearing only to then reappear, so it's possible Prigozhin and Moscow have faked his death. However, even if the rebel didn't escape the crash, it's foolhardy to believe that any evidence will ever emerge to conclude that Putin's fingerprints are all over this incident.
Pro-Russia narrative
Though Prigozhin was a traitor, Putin offered him an exit to Belarus. After his death, the Russian president praised him for his talent and bravery. Unfortunately, the West is spreading conspiracy theories about the victims of a plane crash — which was likely a result of technical failure, human error, or safety regulation violations.
