According to preliminary intelligence reports, American and other Western officials believe that an explosion on a plane, believed to be carrying the Russian mercenary leader Yevgeny V. Prigozhin, caused the aircraft to crash on Wednesday, resulting in the death of all passengers.
While a definitive conclusion has not been reached, the leading theory is that the crash was caused by an explosion. This explosion could have been the result of a bomb or other device planted on the aircraft. However, other theories, such as adulterated fuel, are also being explored by officials.
Although American intelligence has not confirmed Mr. Prigozhin’s death, multiple officials believe it is likely that he was killed in the plane crash. A Western official stated that Mr. Prigozhin was on the plane, based on indicators collected by his country. Satellite intelligence from the United States did not detect a missile launch, and there is no other evidence suggesting that a surface-to-air weapon brought down the plane.
The Wagner paramilitary group, founded by Mr. Prigozhin, has also not officially confirmed his death.
Speaking on the condition of anonymity, U.S. and European officials believe that Russian President Vladimir V. Putin ordered the destruction of the plane in an attempt to kill Mr. Prigozhin.
Mr. Prigozhin’s armed rebellion in June posed one of the most significant challenges to Mr. Putin’s rule in decades. During the brief mutiny, Wagner forces took control of a key southern city, and an armed convoy of Mr. Prigozhin’s mercenaries marched towards Moscow, undermining Mr. Putin’s authority.
Intelligence and military officials had predicted for weeks that Mr. Putin would retaliate, despite their confusion over Mr. Prigozhin’s apparent freedom of movement. The mercenary leader even attended a summit meeting with Mr. Putin, traveled between Belarus and Russia, and recorded a recruitment video.
2023-08-24 13:23:52
Post from www.nytimes.com
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