Yevgeny Prigozhin, the controversial Wagner warlord, was laid to rest in a low-key ceremony held at a cemetery on the outskirts of St. Petersburg, his hometown.
His burial took place six days after his death in a plane crash, and it was a private affair attended only by close friends and family members.
The grave was adorned with red, white, and yellow flowers, and the ceremony was closely guarded by armed police and private security.
Prigozhin was interred next to his father, and the level of secrecy surrounding the event was in accordance with the family’s wishes.
Putin’s Absence and Suspicions of Involvement
Notably absent from the ceremony was Russian President Vladimir Putin, despite the close relationship he shared with Prigozhin leading up to Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.
Prigozhin’s death occurred just two months after he staged a coup against Putin.
The plane crash that claimed Prigozhin’s life, along with two other top Wagner figures, four bodyguards, and three crew members, prompted suspicions from many worldwide who pointed fingers at Putin as the possible orchestrator of his demise.
However, the Kremlin vehemently denies any involvement, labeling such allegations as an ‘absolute lie.’
A Deal and Mysterious Claims
Before his death, Prigozhin reached a deal with the Kremlin, brokered by Belarus’ president, Alexander Lukashenko, which allowed him to avoid facing charges.
This deal led Prigozhin and his mercenary group to Belarus, where they were sent after their involvement in the takeover of the southern Russian city of Rostov-on-Don during the revolt.
Despite the funeral and genetic testing confirming Prigozhin’s death, some individuals, including Russian political analyst Dr. Valery Solovey, continue to assert that he is still alive.
Solovey claims that Prigozhin’s plane was downed by a Russian air defense system from the outside, challenging US intelligence reports of an onboard explosion.
Solovey alleges that this secret operation was sanctioned by President Putin himself.
Last Photos and the Wagner Group’s Uncertain Future
Recent photos of Prigozhin emerged, depicting him taking selfies with locals in Bangui, the capital of the Central African Republic, shortly before his death.
These images showed him in civilian attire, surrounded by locals seemingly eager to meet the Russian oligarch.
The fate of the Wagner group, the private military company Prigozhin established in 2014, remains uncertain.
Putin had previously compelled Wagner fighters to pledge allegiance to Russia, emphasizing their duty to follow the orders of commanders and senior Russian leaders.
Share on Facebook «||» Share on Twitter «||» Share on Reddit «||» Share on LinkedIn
Read Related News On TDPel Media
