Russian Analyst Claims Wagner Leader Yevgeny Prigozhin Survives Plane Assassination Plot and Plans Revenge Against Putin After Body Double’s Death

A Russian political analyst has put forth a startling claim, asserting that Yevgeny Prigozhin, the leader of Wagner Group, is alive and actively devising a plot for retaliation after the demise of his body double in a recent plane crash.

According to Dr. Valery Solovey, a former professor at Moscow’s Institute of International Relations (MGIMO), renowned for training spies and diplomats, Prigozhin is residing in an undisclosed country, safe and unharmed. Interestingly, Russia is orchestrating a funeral for Prigozhin, yet President Vladimir Putin is opting to abstain from attending.

Dr. Solovey alleges that Prigozhin, often linked to mercenary activities, is currently formulating a scheme for vengeance. This political analyst suggests that the authorities in Russia misled the public by indicating that Prigozhin’s DNA was found at the crash site in the Tver region. He further claims that the attempt to eliminate Prigozhin had failed due to his use of a body double, who happened to board the plane instead.

He refutes the assertion that the plane crashed due to an onboard explosion, asserting, “‘There was no explosion on board. It was downed from the outside.” Dr. Solovey contends that the operation to shoot down the aircraft was authorized by the Russian president through the nation’s Security Council.

As per Dr. Solovey’s account, the warlord Prigozhin is presently “alive, well, and free.” This analyst indicates that Vladimir Putin is well-aware of the situation, even as official Russian statements suggest otherwise.

Dr. Solovey discloses plans to unveil Prigozhin’s alleged place of exile in the upcoming month, dismissing claims of an African refuge where Wagner’s private army maintains interests. Nonetheless, the analyst asserts that Prigozhin intends to reveal himself before the year concludes.

In response to Prigozhin’s impending funeral, Putin’s spokesperson has conveyed that the President’s presence is not anticipated. The decision regarding the funeral is said to be determined by the deceased’s family and friends.

According to Dr. Solovey, the exiled Prigozhin is actively “preparing for revenge.” He speculates on the internal struggle Prigozhin faced, surviving while those close to him perished. The analyst suggests that Prigozhin seeks retribution against those who intended to annihilate him and caused the deaths of his associates.

Among those lost in the crash were Wagner military commander Dmitry Utkin, 53, and flight attendant Kristina Raspopova, 39, who had communicated to her relatives about flight delays and repairs prior to the ill-fated journey.

Dr. Solovey contends that Prigozhin possesses access to £1.6 billion in bitcoin, a significant resource he plans to employ for his vindictive campaign. The analyst concludes by emphasizing Prigozhin’s determination, ambition, energy, and courage in pursuing his objectives.

Gabonese army officers under the aegis of the Committee for the Transition and Restoration of Institutions on Wednesday morning announced on national television why they are taking over power from President Ali Bongo in the country.

The soldiers highlighted serious institutional, political, economic and social crises as factors responsible for the coup that they tagged, ‘necessary’ for the progress of the West African country.

In a nationwide address rendered in French but translated to English by AFP, the junta said, “Our beautiful country, Gabon, has always been a haven of peace.

“Today, the country is going through a serious institutional, political, economic and social crisis.

“We are therefore forced to admit that the organisation of the general elections of August 26, 2023, did not meet the conditions for a transparent, credible and inclusive ballot so much hoped for by the people of Gabon.

“Added to this is irresponsible and unpredictable governance, resulting in a continuing deterioration in social cohesion, with the risk of leading the country into chaos.

“Today, 30 August 2023, we, the defence and security forces, gathered as the Committee for the Transition and Restoration of Institutions (CTRI) on behalf of the people of Gabon and as guarantors of the institutions’ protection — have decided to defend the peace by putting an end to the current regime.

“The borders are closed until further notice.

The junta resolved that all of the institutions of the country be dissolved including the Federal Government, the Senate, the National Assembly, the Constitutional Court, the Economic, Social and Environmental Council and the Gabonese Elections Centre.

They therefore called for calm and serenity from the public, the communities of sister countries settled in Gabon, and the Gabonese diaspora.

“We reaffirm our commitment to respecting Gabon’s commitments to the national and international community.

“People of Gabon, we are finally on the road to happiness.

“May God and the spirits of our ancestors bless Gabon. Honour and loyalty to our homeland.”

A veteran aircraft investigator has been put in charge of finding out what happened in the plane crash that reportedly killed Yevgeny Prigozhin and his Wagner lieutenants.

Ivan Sibul, who investigated the SSJ 100 crash in 2019 that killed 41 people, will take charge of the case, according to the VChK-OGPU blog, which is close to Russia’s security services. The news has subsequently been confirmed by RBC.

Mr Sibul is also said to have worked on the Saratov Airlines crash that killed 71 in 2018 and a fatal collision at Moscow’s Vnukovo airport in 2014.

No Mention of Prigozhin in Russian Investigation

Russia’s investigative committee has opened a criminal investigation into the plane crash that reportedly killed Yevgeny Prigozhin but did not mention him by name.

According to Sky News, it said in a statement: “The Main Investigation Department of the Investigative Committee of the Russian Federation opened a criminal case on the grounds of a crime under article 263 of the Criminal Code.

“This is a violation of traffic safety rules and the operation of air transport. Jet’s business, en route from Moscow to St. Petersburg, crashed in the Tver Region. According to preliminary data, 10 people on board died.

“An investigation team has left for the scene, all necessary forensic examinations will be appointed, and a set of investigative actions will be carried out to determine the causes of the plane crash.”

Wagner-Linked Channel Plays Down Mutiny Reports

Another Wagner blogger has poured cold water on claims that the mercenary group is planning a second attempt at its abortive coup against Russia’s leadership.

Wagner Z Group posted on Telegram: “[Channels] pretending to be Wagners say here we are preparing a trip to Moscow.

“Everyone carries what he wants, now every gopher is an agronomist.”

Rybar, a prominent Russian military blogger, dismissed reports of a mutiny as Ukrainian propaganda “which is easy to recognise”.