Wagner mercenary chief Prigozhin confirmed dead in plane crash, Russia says after DNA analysis
NBCAPR 2023
Report: Prigozhin Buried Privately in St. Petersburg
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The Spin
Anti-Russia narrative
The likely not-so-accidental death of Prigozhin, weeks after he called off the mutiny in June to protest against the prospect of his Wagner troops being integrated into the regular army, is further proof that Putin ultimately relies on terror to maintain his grip over Moscow. He may emerge stronger in the short term, as his biggest threat has been neutralized, but the Russian state is rotting as never before.
Pro-Russia narrative
Though speculation around the plane crash and the death of its passengers are somewhat natural, the West has utilized it to outrageously wage a baseless smear campaign, blaming the Kremlin for this tragedy. Meanwhile, Russian authorities have already set up a special commission to thoroughly examine the circumstances and determine the cause of the unfortunate accident.