Mysterious Video Emerges
In a curious turn of events, a previously unreleased and undated video featuring Yevgeny Prigozhin, the leader of the Wagner Group, surfaced after his recent death and funeral. The video shows Prigozhin addressing the camera while traveling in a vehicle and discussing the speculations surrounding his demise.
Video Posted by Ukrainian Official
The video was shared by Anton Gerashchenko, an advisor to the Minister of Internal Affairs of Ukraine.
A video of Prigozhin appeared that is reportedly filmed in Africa not long before his death.
“So, fans of discussing my death, intimate life, earnings, etc., I am doing fine,” Prigozhin says. pic.twitter.com/UcIKpgLNZi
— Anton Gerashchenko (@Gerashchenko_en) August 31, 2023
In the video, Prigozhin addresses those who have been discussing his supposed “liquidation,” personal life, earnings, and other matters. He assures, “For anyone discussing whether I’m alive or not and how I’m doing […] it’s a weekend in the second half of August 2023. I’m in Africa.”
Uniform Similarity Raises Questions
However, Russian media outlets have pointed out that the uniform Prigozhin is seen wearing in the video bears resemblance to the attire he was seen in during a video published on August 21, during the Wagner Group’s activities in Africa.
Death Speculation Surrounding Prigozhin
The death of Yevgeny Prigozhin has been surrounded by speculation, especially since his plane was destroyed on August 23, along with several high-ranking members of the Wagner Group. Questions have arisen about whether his death might have been staged. Nevertheless, the Russian government, under President Vladimir Putin, has made it clear that international investigators cannot access the crash site.
Official Confirmation of Death
The Russian authorities have stated that DNA testing on remains found at the crash scene has confirmed Yevgeny Prigozhin’s death in the aircraft incident.
Prigozhin’s death occurred just two months after he led an uprising against Vladimir Putin’s regime, expressing dissatisfaction with the use and treatment of his forces and calling for a march to Moscow.
While widespread speculation suggests potential involvement of Vladimir Putin in the fatal crash, Russian officials have largely downplayed such claims. However, the Kremlin has acknowledged the possibility of foul play, considering the crash could have been the result of “deliberate wrongdoing.”