What is the cause of Wagner leader Prigozhin’s fatal plane crash? Here’s what the officials say
fatal crash of a plane carrying Wagner Group leader Yevgeny Prigozhin and nine others in Russia was likely due to a bomb, according to media reports
Preliminary Belief Points to Bomb
Amidst ongoing investigations into the plane crash, a senior U.S. official has revealed to ABC News that early indications suggest the private jet's downfall was caused by an explosion onboard, possibly resulting from a strategically placed bomb. Another US official echoed the sentiment, affirming that a bomb was the probable cause of the explosion.
Kremlin Denies Involvement
The Kremlin has vehemently denied any involvement in the enigmatic plane crash, which claimed the lives of Yevgeny Prigozhin and Wagner Group co-founder Dmitry Utkin. Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov labeled the widespread speculation as «sheer lies» and emphasized the importance of relying on facts, given the limited information available during ongoing investigations.
Absence of Surface-to-Air Missile Involvement
The U.S. Department of Defense has stated that there is no indication suggesting the involvement of a surface-to-air missile in the crash. Pentagon press secretary Brig. Gen. Pat Ryder emphasized that there is no credible information pointing to a missile's role in the incident.
Prigozhin's Influence and Legacy
Yevgeny Prigozhin, 62, formerly a close associate of Russian President Vladimir Putin, held a prominent role as the head of a private paramilitary group. The organization played a significant part in Putin's Ukraine invasion and later led an insurrection against the Russian military before reversing course.
Putin's Reaction and Investigation
Russian President Putin offered condolences to the victims' families and acknowledged the contribution of
