Yevgeny Prigozhin, a prominent Russian mercenary chief known for his ruthlessness and ambition, was buried discreetly in a leafy cemetery on the outskirts of St. Petersburg on August 29. The funeral, which occurred six days after he died in an unexplained plane crash, stood in stark contrast to his previous self-publicizing style, Reuters reported.
Funeral details
Prigozhin's funeral took place away from media attention, a departure from his previous penchant for self-promotion.
"The farewell to Yevgeny Viktorovich took place in a closed format. Those who wish to say goodbye may visit Porokhovskoye cemetery,"
his press service reported. The funeral was attended by around 20 to 30 friends and family members and lasted approximately 40 minutes. Prigozhin's grave was adorned with flowers, while police officers and members of the Rosgvardiya national guard provided security.
Yevgeny Prigozhin was the leader of the Wagner group, a Russian mercenary organization. He was known for his brutal tactics and had gained notoriety for deploying his fighters in intense battles during the war in Ukraine. Despite his ruthless image, he had some admirers in Russia who respected his willingness to openly criticize the Russian military's shortcomings.
Plane crash and mutiny
Prigozhin and several key members of his Wagner group died in a plane crash north of Moscow on August 23. Two months prior to his death, he had orchestrated a brief mutiny against the Russian defense establishment, presenting a significant challenge to President Vladimir Putin's rule. This mutiny was seen as one of the most substantial threats to Putin's authority since he came to power in 1999.
After Prigozhin's death, suspicions were raised about the possibility that Putin might have directed the killing. The White House press secretary, Karine Jean-Pierre, hinted at this possibility, referring to the Kremlin's history of eliminating opponents. However, the Kremlin vehemently denied any involvement and labeled such allegations as an "absolute lie."
Prigozhin's death left uncertainty about the future of his extensive business empire, which included mercenary operations in various African countries. He had engaged in significant mining deals for precious resources like gold and diamonds, often advancing Russian security interests in the process. His demise left questions about the future direction of his businesses and the roles they played in advancing Russia's global influence.
Earlier Daryo reported that on August 27, Russian authorities verified that Yevgeny Prigozhin, the head of the contentious Wagner mercenary faction, was among the fatalities in an August 23 plane crash in the Tver Region, resulting in 10 casualties.
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