Russia: Sources Say Criminal Case Into Prigozhin Still Open

story
Image copyright: [via Wikimedia Commons]

The Facts

  • On Monday, following a tumultuous 48 hours in Russia, official sources quoted by Russian media said that the criminal case against Yevgeny Prigozhin, head of the Russian mercenary force Wagner PMC, remains ongoing despite agreements made over the weekend that charges against him would be dropped.

  • Prigozhin, who started off as an ex-convict with a hot dog stand before starting a successful restaurant business, played a significant role in Russia's invasion of Ukraine after founding the Wagner private military company in 2014. Wagner forces were largely credited for the Russian capture of Bakhmut in May, taking Donetsk city after many months of intense fighting.

Show more

The Spin

Pro-establishment narrative

Although this rebellion was short-lived, the events of the past weekend have no doubt diminished how Russia views Vladimir Putin. Now, his grip on the country has never been more in question, and the vast consequences of this rebellion are only starting to play out.

Guardian

Pro-Russia narrative

This is a uniquely important time for Russia. It's not only entangled in an all-out war with the collective West, there's an economic and information war too. Russia must not be divided at this time. It must stand up squarely to the challenges and threats it's facing.

TASS

Metaculus Prediction

Establishment split

CRITICAL

PRO

More neutral establishment stance articles