Headline: Fragments of Hand Grenades Found in Bodies of Wagner Group Boss and Deputies Killed in Plane Crash, Putin Says
Subtitle: Russian President denies Kremlin’s involvement in the crash, while speculation over the cause continues
Date: [Insert Date]
In a surprising twist to the investigation into the plane crash that killed Yevgeniy Prigozhin, the boss of the private military company Wagner Group, Russian President Vladimir Putin announced on Thursday that fragments of hand grenades were found in the bodies of Prigozhin and his two top deputies who were also killed in the crash. The crash, which occurred on August 23 near Russia’s Tver region, claimed the lives of all 10 people on board.
Speaking at the Moscow-based Valdai forum, Putin addressed the questions surrounding the incident. “We know about the plane crash. The head of the Investigative Committee reported to me just the other day that fragments of hand grenades were found in the bodies of those killed in the plane crash,” said Putin. He also emphasized that the wreckage showed no signs of external impact, indicating that there was no evidence to support the theory that the Kremlin had ordered the plane to be shot down.
The cause of the crash has been the subject of speculation since its occurrence. Initial reports suggested that an explosion was caused by a missile strike or an explosive device on board, but no substantial evidence has been provided to support these claims. U.S. officials have suggested that the jet might have been destroyed by an explosion onboard, while some Russian Telegram channels have speculated that explosives were planted on the jet prior to takeoff.
The plane crash came exactly two months after Prigozhin led his fighters in a brief mutiny against Moscow. Many Western officials, independent observers, and some in the Russian elite believe that his death was ordered by Putin as a consequence of the rebellion or to gain control of Prigozhin’s lucrative commercial empire. However, Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov has condemned these allegations as “lies” that portray the crash from a biased perspective.
In further remarks, Putin hinted at the possibility that Prigozhin or someone in his entourage might have accidentally blown themselves up while under the influence. “Unfortunately, no examination was carried out about the presence of alcohol or drugs in the victims’ blood,” Putin revealed. He went on to mention that after the well-known events, the Federal Security Service (FSB) discovered a significant amount of cash and cocaine in Prigozhin’s company office in St. Petersburg.
Since Prigozhin’s death, the future of the Wagner Group and the fate of his expansive empire have remained uncertain. The Wagner Group was a key fighting force in Ukraine, credited with important battlefield victories, but Prigozhin’s feud with Russian military leaders caused a rift. Following his rebellion, Wagner was sidelined from fighting in Ukraine, and high-ranking Russian government and military officials began dismantling the business.
Recently, Putin appointed Andrei Troshev, one of the most senior surviving former Wagner commanders, to take charge of “volunteer units” fighting in Ukraine. This move suggests that the Kremlin wants to maintain control over the mercenaries while continuing to use them in the war.
As the investigation into the plane crash continues, the discovery of hand grenade fragments in the bodies of Prigozhin and his deputies adds a new layer of complexity to the case. Speculation over the cause of the crash persists, with conflicting theories circulating among officials and the public. Only time will reveal the truth behind this tragic incident and its implications for Russia’s power dynamics.