Wagner leader Yevgeny Prigozhin planned to seize two of Russia’s top military officials when he launched his brief military coup last week.
Yevgeny Prigozhin is a Russian businessman who gained prominence through his involvement in various industries, including catering, media, and private military contracting. Born on June 1, 1961, in Leningrad (now St. Petersburg), Prigozhin has close ties to the Russian government and is often referred to as “Putin’s chef” due to his catering company’s contracts with the Kremlin.
Prigozhin’s most notable venture is the Wagner Group, a private military company (PMC) that operates in various conflict zones around the world. The Wagner Group emerged in 2014 and gained attention during Russia’s military intervention in Ukraine, where it played a significant role in the annexation of Crimea and the conflict in Eastern Ukraine. The group is named after its founder, Dmitry Utkin, who is a former officer of Russia’s special forces.
Although Prigozhin denies direct ownership or control over the Wagner Group, numerous reports and investigations have linked him to the organization. The group is known for its mercenary activities, providing military support, and conducting combat operations in countries like Syria, Libya, Sudan, and the Central African Republic. Wagner Group mercenaries have been involved in various conflicts, often working alongside Russian military forces or supporting the interests of the Russian government.
Prigozhin’s ties to the Wagner Group and his alleged connection to Russian intelligence have raised concerns among international observers. Some view the group as a tool of Russian influence and a means for the Kremlin to pursue its objectives without the direct involvement of regular military forces. However, the exact nature of Prigozhin’s relationship with the Russian government and the Wagner Group’s operations remains subjects of speculation and limited official disclosure.
It’s important to note that information on private military companies, including the Wagner Group, can be complex and sometimes limited due to their secretive nature and the lack of official transparency. Therefore, details regarding specific operations or current developments may be challenging to ascertain.
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