Reports of the death of Wagner boss Yevgeny Prigozhin dominate media reports. Russia expert Gerhard Mangott believes this to be true: “The Wagner Group itself posted a message about this on Telegram. They wouldn’t have done that if they didn’t have information to prove death.” But the question is why all the high-ranking heads of the Wagner group were on the same page…
The political scientist is convinced: “It was a contract killing by the political leadership.”
Together on a plane: ‘Strange and negligent’
Mangott: ‘It is understandable that Valeri Chkalov, the head of the security service of Prigozhin, was on board. But that Dmitri Utkin, the founder of the Wagner group and military intelligence officer, was also on that plane is strange. Especially since a second plane from Prigozhin was on its way to Saint Petersburg at the same time.” They acted “carelessly” and “felt with a false sense of security”.
‘An expression of Putin’s brutal, ruthless leadership’
After the deployment of mercenaries two months ago, Putin himself said that traitors should be punished. “Prigozhin’s death was only a matter of time,” says Mangott. Strategically important to Putin, however: “Putin cannot afford to appear weak.”
Prigozhin’s ‘liquidation’ is a demonstration of power: ‘He shows that he is capable of liquidating anyone who opposes him,’ said the political scientist. “It is an expression of Putin’s brutal, ruthless leadership.”
What happens if the Wagner Group collapses in Africa?
But there are also risks for Putin: “namely, that the Wagner group, which did the Russian government’s dirty work in Africa, will now disintegrate and Russia will lose an instrument of influence in many African countries.” In any case, Prigozhin’s death will not have a direct impact on the war in Ukraine, Mangott said.
You can see the Russia expert’s detailed analysis in the video above.
Source: Krone
I am Wallace Jones, an experienced journalist. I specialize in writing for the world section of Today Times Live. With over a decade of experience, I have developed an eye for detail when it comes to reporting on local and global stories. My passion lies in uncovering the truth through my investigative skills and creating thought-provoking content that resonates with readers worldwide.
