Wagner, a once-dominant Russian private military company, faces an uncertain future after the death of its leader, Yevgeny V. Prigozhin, in a plane crash. While the Kremlin may look for ways to maintain the group’s influence, the relationship between Wagner and the Russian state has grown more complex, particularly after a failed mutiny earlier in the year.
Key Points:
- Yevgeny V. Prigozhin, the head of the Wagner mercenary group, died in a suspicious plane crash along with nine others.
- The Wagner group, founded in 2014, has operated in at least 10 countries and is seen as a significant geopolitical tool for Moscow.
- Following the death of Prigozhin, questions arise about the future of Wagner and whether the Kremlin will try to bring it under more direct control.
- Although Wagner has an internal council of commanders for day-to-day operations, the loss of Prigozhin might diminish its political capital in Russia.
- Despite the setbacks, some Wagner fighters remain optimistic about the future of the group, emphasizing its commitment to Russia.
Source: https://www.nytimes.com/2023/08/27/world/europe/russia-wagner-prigozhin-future.html
