Russian intelligence chief Gen. Andrey Averyanov, who is notorious for eliminating Vladimir Putin's dissidents, is expected to take over Wagner mercenary group's African operations following Yevgeny Prigozhin's death in a plane crash, Wall Street Journal newspaper reported.

Notably, Averyanov, who is head of the Covert Operations Unit in the GRU, was in Africa in July during a Russia-Africa summit and met several African leaders. The summit was also Prigozhin's first public appearance following his failed mutiny against Russian President Putin.

Currently, no top members of the Wagner group are alive. Those who lost their lives in last week's crash, apart from Prigozhin, include second-in-command Dmitry Utkin and Wagner's non-military logistics chief, Valery Chekalov.

It is unknown what caused the plane to crash, but several unconfirmed reports claim that Prigozhin was assassinated on the orders of Putin in retaliation for Prigozhin’s rebellion against the Moscow government this June.&nbsp;

Over the weekend, Russian officials stated that a DNA analysis confirmed that Prigozhin was among the deceased.

The&nbsp;GRU Unit 29155, which is headed by Averyanov, has reportedly carried out several foreign operations ordered by Putin and has been linked to many assassinations, including the Salisbury poisonings in March 2018.

<h2>Wagner under new leader</h2>

Kremlin had been looking to replace Prigozhin after the latter's brief mutiny was thwarted. In July, it was reported that President Vladimir Putin had proposed Andrei Troshev's name to take over Wagner.

Troshev, who is also known as "Sedoi" or "Grey Hair", is a retired colonel and is one of the founding members and the executive director of the Wagner group. &nbsp;&nbsp;

His name cropped up during a meeting held by Putin five days after the failed rebellion, which was also attended by Prigozhin and several dozen senior Wagner combatants.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/vladimir-putin-wont-attend-wagner-chief-yevgeny-prigozhins-funeral-kremlin-630231">Vladimir Putin won't attend Wagner chief Yevgeny Prigozhin's funeral: Kremlin</a>

Kommersant newspaper reported that Putin told dozens of Wagner mercenaries to continue to serve the mercenary group under their direct commander, a man who goes by the call sign, ‘Sedoy,’ meaning ‘grey hair.’

Also read |&nbsp;<a data-ved="2ahUKEwjVnrXR-oGBAxU8zDgGHZ6QDMsQxfQBKAB6BAgJEAE" href="https://www.wionews.com/world/i-warned-wagner-group-chief-yevgeny-prigozhin-about-threats-to-his-life-belarusian-president-lukashenko-629273" jsname="YKoRaf" ping="/url?sa=t&amp;source=web&amp;rct=j&amp;opi=89978449&amp;url=https://www.wionews.com/world/i-warned-wagner-group-chief-yevgeny-prigozhin-about-threats-to-his-life-belarusian-president-lukashenko-629273&amp;ved=2ahUKEwjVnrXR-oGBAxU8zDgGHZ6QDMsQxfQBKAB6BAgJEAE">I warned Wagner group chief Yevgeny Prigozhin about threats to his life: Belarusian President Lukashenko</a>

“They could have all gathered in one place and continued to serve,” Putin said, “and nothing would have changed for them. They would be led by the same person who has been their real commander all along.”

“And what happened then?” the Kommersant reporter said in reply to Putin. “Many people nodded [affirmatively] when I said that,” Putin replied.

(With inputs from agencies)

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Russian intelligence chief Gen. Andrey Averyanov, who is notorious for eliminating Vladimir Putin's dissidents, is expected to take over Wagner mercenary group's African operations following Yevgeny Prigozhin's death in a plane crash, Wall Street Journal newspaper reported.

Russian intelligence chief Gen. Andrey Averyanov, who is notorious for eliminating Vladimir Putin's dissidents, is expected to take over Wagner mercenary group's African operations following Yevgeny Prigozhin's death in a plane crash, Wall Street Journal newspaper reported. Notably, Averyanov, who is head of the Covert Operations Unit in the GRU, was in Africa in July during a Russia-Africa summit and met several African leaders. The summit was also Prigozhin's first public appearance following his failed mutiny against Russian President Putin. Currently, no top members of the Wagner group are alive. Those who lost their lives in last week's crash, apart from Prigozhin, include second-in-command Dmitry Utkin and Wagner's non-military logistics chief, Valery Chekalov. It is unknown what caused the plane to crash, but several unconfirmed reports claim that Prigozhin was assassinated on the orders of Putin in retaliation for Prigozhin’s rebellion against the Moscow government this June. Over the weekend, Russian officials stated that a DNA analysis confirmed that Prigozhin was among the deceased. The GRU Unit 29155, which is headed by Averyanov, has reportedly carried out several foreign operations ordered by Putin and has been linked to many assassinations, including the Salisbury poisonings in March 2018. Wagner under new leader Kremlin had been looking to replace Prigozhin after the latter's brief mutiny was thwarted. In July, it was reported that President Vladimir Putin had proposed Andrei Troshev's name to take over Wagner. Troshev, who is also known as "Sedoi" or "Grey Hair", is a retired colonel and is one of the founding members and the executive director of the Wagner group. His name cropped up during a meeting held by Putin five days after the failed rebellion, which was also attended by Prigozhin and several dozen senior Wagner combatants. Also read | Vladimir Putin won't attend Wagner chief Yevgeny Prigozhin's funeral: Kremlin Kommersant newspaper reported that Putin told dozens of Wagner mercenaries to continue to serve the mercenary group under their direct commander, a man who goes by the call sign, ‘Sedoy,’ meaning ‘grey hair.’ Also read | I warned Wagner group chief Yevgeny Prigozhin about threats to his life: Belarusian President Lukashenko “They could have all gathered in one place and continued to serve,” Putin said, “and nothing would have changed for them. They would be led by the same person who has been their real commander all along.” “And what happened then?” the Kommersant reporter said in reply to Putin. “Many people nodded [affirmatively] when I said that,” Putin replied. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE

Russian intelligence chief to take over Wagner's Africa operations: Report

Russia on Friday announced that it has recovered 10 bodies and flight recorders from the scene of the plane crash that is presumed to have killed Wagner chief Yevgeny Prigozhin.

Investigators are now carrying out "molecular-genetic tests" on the remains.

<h2>The need for such a test</h2>

As per the passenger list, Prigozhin and his right-hand man Dmitry Utkin, as well as five other passengers and three crew members, were on board of the Embraer Legacy 600 jet, when it crashed in the Tver region, north-west of the Russian capital Moscow on Wednesday.

However, in spite of the flight manifest, there have been questions over whether the Kremlin had absolute confirmation that the Wagner chief was in fact on board the aircraft.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/who-killed-yevgeny-prigozhin-us-preliminary-findings-discover-traces-of-sabotage-628904">Bomb in a wine crate aboard Prigozhin's plane led to the crash, reports suggest</a>

To "establish their (passengers) identities" Russia's Investigative Committee said it was carrying out "molecular genetic analyses".

Speaking to the BBC over a conference call that included journalists from other publications, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said there were "lots of speculation" around the "tragic" deaths of the 10 people in Wednesday's air crash near Moscow.

"In the West, of course, this speculation comes from a certain angle. It's all a complete lie," he said, adding, "We don't have many facts at the moment, the facts need to be clarified during the official investigation which is being carried out now."

<h2>Putin denies ordering the killing</h2>

Talking to BBC on Friday, the Russian President Vladimir Putin denied giving the order for Prigozhin's assassination and labelled the rumours a "complete lie."

Prigozhin, who was popularly known as Putin's chef, led a mutiny of his mercenary fighters in June.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/i-warned-wagner-group-chief-yevgeny-prigozhin-about-threats-to-his-life-belarusian-president-lukashenko-629273">I warned Wagner group chief Yevgeny Prigozhin about threats to his life: Belarusian President Lukashenko</a>

The soon-aborted armed revolt was described as "treachery" by Putin. However, later a deal was struck that gave the Wagner mercenaries the options to either join the Russian army or go to Moscow's ally Belarus.

In spite of that, after the rebellion, many observers had reportedly described the Wagner chief as a "dead man walking," and had argued that Putin's forgiveness may not come. Now, western nations and Kremlin&nbsp;critics&nbsp;have been speculating that Prigozhin may have been assassinated.

Since the plane came down, there has been a frenzied speculation about what caused the crash. However, the exact cause is still not known. The Kremlin has announced that it has opened a probe into alleged violations of air traffic rules by the aircraft, but has maintained its silence otherwise, reports AFP. Meanwhile, on Friday, US President Joe Biden said that his nation was trying to "nail down" precisely what brought down the plane.

(With inputs from agencies) 
 
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Russia on Friday announced that it has recovered 10 bodies and flight recorders from the scene of the plane crash that is presumed to have killed Wagner chief Yevgeny Prigozhin.

Russia on Friday announced that it has recovered 10 bodies and flight recorders from the scene of the plane crash that is presumed to have killed Wagner chief Yevgeny Prigozhin. Investigators are now carrying out "molecular-genetic tests" on the remains. The need for such a test As per the passenger list, Prigozhin and his right-hand man Dmitry Utkin, as well as five other passengers and three crew members, were on board of the Embraer Legacy 600 jet, when it crashed in the Tver region, north-west of the Russian capital Moscow on Wednesday. However, in spite of the flight manifest, there have been questions over whether the Kremlin had absolute confirmation that the Wagner chief was in fact on board the aircraft. Also read | Bomb in a wine crate aboard Prigozhin's plane led to the crash, reports suggest To "establish their (passengers) identities" Russia's Investigative Committee said it was carrying out "molecular genetic analyses". Speaking to the BBC over a conference call that included journalists from other publications, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said there were "lots of speculation" around the "tragic" deaths of the 10 people in Wednesday's air crash near Moscow. "In the West, of course, this speculation comes from a certain angle. It's all a complete lie," he said, adding, "We don't have many facts at the moment, the facts need to be clarified during the official investigation which is being carried out now." Putin denies ordering the killing Talking to BBC on Friday, the Russian President Vladimir Putin denied giving the order for Prigozhin's assassination and labelled the rumours a "complete lie." Prigozhin, who was popularly known as Putin's chef, led a mutiny of his mercenary fighters in June. Also read | I warned Wagner group chief Yevgeny Prigozhin about threats to his life: Belarusian President Lukashenko The soon-aborted armed revolt was described as "treachery" by Putin. However, later a deal was struck that gave the Wagner mercenaries the options to either join the Russian army or go to Moscow's ally Belarus. In spite of that, after the rebellion, many observers had reportedly described the Wagner chief as a "dead man walking," and had argued that Putin's forgiveness may not come. Now, western nations and Kremlin critics have been speculating that Prigozhin may have been assassinated. Since the plane came down, there has been a frenzied speculation about what caused the crash. However, the exact cause is still not known. The Kremlin has announced that it has opened a probe into alleged violations of air traffic rules by the aircraft, but has maintained its silence otherwise, reports AFP. Meanwhile, on Friday, US President Joe Biden said that his nation was trying to "nail down" precisely what brought down the plane. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Uncertainty persists over Wagner chief's death, Russia to conduct molecular genetic test on remains from crash

"For Christ's sake, guys, take me and finish me already," said Yevgeny Prigozhin in an interview as his stand-off with Russian military leadership and President Vladimir Putin escalated in the spring this year.

"What will be, will be," he added, as per an interview excerpt making the rounds. According to preliminary US government assessments, what happened was an assassination plot that took out the thorn in Putin's side.&nbsp;

The Wall Street Journal (WSJ) reports that as per US officials, while it looks like an assassination angle was behind Prigozhin's death, contrary to earlier speculation, the Wagner chief's aircraft doesn't appear to have been shot down by a surface-to-air missile.

<h2>Who, or what, killed Yevgeny Prigozhin?</h2>

As per WSJ, preliminary US government assessments, which are incomplete, suggest that sabotage or a bomb that exploded on the aircraft was behind the crash.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/prigozhins-death-sparks-global-intrigue-as-putins-unforgiving-side-resurfaces-in-old-video-watch-628781">Prigozhin's death sparks buzz of intrigue as Putin's unforgiving side resurfaces in old video. WATCH</a>

Previously, social media channels close to the mercenary chief claimed that the aircraft carrying Prigozhin was downed by a Russian military anti-aircraft missile.

The Kremlin is yet to offer an explanation for the aircraft crash that happened northwest of Moscow but said that it was conducting an investigation. Russia’s Investigative Committee has reportedly launched a criminal probe into alleged violations of air safety rules. However, official information on the crash or its causes remains scant.

As per LBC, a UK-based publication, relatives of 39-year-old Kristina Raspopova, a flight attendant on board the aircraft who also died, have revealed that the flight was delayed due to "maintenance or some urgent repairs".

Talking to Sky News, former British intelligence officer Christopher Steele said that in an "ironic" twist, there are suggestions that a bomb in a wine crate may be behind the explosion and the subsequent crash.

"That's a kind of ironic end for Putin's former caterer," he added.

<h2>What happens now?</h2>

As per the WSJ report, as with previous deaths of Putin rivals, the Russian government is likely going to try to create confusion over who killed Prigozhin.&nbsp;

Watch |&nbsp;Putin condoles Wagner Chief's Yevgeny Prigozhin death

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Russian state-run media has already begun floating stories that blame Ukraine — a likely scapegoat, or some as of now unnamed rival of the Wagner chief.

However, the Wagner chief was often considered Putin's protégé, and while the Kremlin has previously eliminated rivals, Prigozhin's death marks the first high-ranking loyalist whom Putin is believed to have had killed over 'wrongdoings'.

Talking to the publication, Eric Green, former Russia adviser to President Biden’s National Security Council says, in the Kremlin, "there is likely sensitivity to how the Wagner fighters and their sympathisers will take the news" of Prigozhin’s death.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/prigozhin-death-news-this-is-what-happened-to-other-putin-foes-628714">Prigozhin death news: This is what happened to other Putin foes in the past</a>

Due to Prigozhin's polarising yet popular image, uncertainty would help the Kremlin claim the report. Yet, as per the report, those on the inside were "clear-eyed about who was behind his murder".

Green says over time, the Kremlin may be more definitive about who killed Prigozhin. He noted that in the poisoning of other rivals like Alexei Navalny and ex-spies Sergei Skripal and Alexander Litvinenko "the Kremlin initially cultivated ambiguity, but in subsequent months dropped unmistakable hints as to its authorship."

(With inputs from agencies)

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"For Christ's sake, guys, take me and finish me already," said Yevgeny Prigozhin in an interview as his stand-off with Russian military leadership and President Vladimir Putin escalated in the spring this year.

"For Christ's sake, guys, take me and finish me already," said Yevgeny Prigozhin in an interview as his stand-off with Russian military leadership and President Vladimir Putin escalated in the spring this year. "What will be, will be," he added, as per an interview excerpt making the rounds. According to preliminary US government assessments, what happened was an assassination plot that took out the thorn in Putin's side. The Wall Street Journal (WSJ) reports that as per US officials, while it looks like an assassination angle was behind Prigozhin's death, contrary to earlier speculation, the Wagner chief's aircraft doesn't appear to have been shot down by a surface-to-air missile. Who, or what, killed Yevgeny Prigozhin? As per WSJ, preliminary US government assessments, which are incomplete, suggest that sabotage or a bomb that exploded on the aircraft was behind the crash. Also read | Prigozhin's death sparks buzz of intrigue as Putin's unforgiving side resurfaces in old video. WATCH Previously, social media channels close to the mercenary chief claimed that the aircraft carrying Prigozhin was downed by a Russian military anti-aircraft missile. The Kremlin is yet to offer an explanation for the aircraft crash that happened northwest of Moscow but said that it was conducting an investigation. Russia’s Investigative Committee has reportedly launched a criminal probe into alleged violations of air safety rules. However, official information on the crash or its causes remains scant. As per LBC, a UK-based publication, relatives of 39-year-old Kristina Raspopova, a flight attendant on board the aircraft who also died, have revealed that the flight was delayed due to "maintenance or some urgent repairs". Talking to Sky News, former British intelligence officer Christopher Steele said that in an "ironic" twist, there are suggestions that a bomb in a wine crate may be behind the explosion and the subsequent crash. "That's a kind of ironic end for Putin's former caterer," he added. What happens now? As per the WSJ report, as with previous deaths of Putin rivals, the Russian government is likely going to try to create confusion over who killed Prigozhin. Watch | Putin condoles Wagner Chief's Yevgeny Prigozhin death Russian state-run media has already begun floating stories that blame Ukraine — a likely scapegoat, or some as of now unnamed rival of the Wagner chief. However, the Wagner chief was often considered Putin's protégé, and while the Kremlin has previously eliminated rivals, Prigozhin's death marks the first high-ranking loyalist whom Putin is believed to have had killed over 'wrongdoings'. Talking to the publication, Eric Green, former Russia adviser to President Biden’s National Security Council says, in the Kremlin, "there is likely sensitivity to how the Wagner fighters and their sympathisers will take the news" of Prigozhin’s death. Also read | Prigozhin death news: This is what happened to other Putin foes in the past Due to Prigozhin's polarising yet popular image, uncertainty would help the Kremlin claim the report. Yet, as per the report, those on the inside were "clear-eyed about who was behind his murder". Green says over time, the Kremlin may be more definitive about who killed Prigozhin. He noted that in the poisoning of other rivals like Alexei Navalny and ex-spies Sergei Skripal and Alexander Litvinenko "the Kremlin initially cultivated ambiguity, but in subsequent months dropped unmistakable hints as to its authorship." (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Bomb in a wine crate aboard Prigozhin's plane led to the crash, reports suggest

A plane reportedly carrying Yevgeny Prigozhin, head of the Wagner Group, crashed on Wednesday (August 23), killing all 10 on board. Russian officials confirmed that Prigozhin’s name was on the list but it can not be confirmed if he was actually on the plane. Flight tracking data showed that soon after the crash, a second private jet thought to be&nbsp;linked to Prigozhin also appeared to be heading to St. Petersburg, but it was turned back to Moscow and later landed.

<h2>Was the plane shot down?&nbsp;</h2>

Some bizarre theories have been doing the rounds since the news of the plane crash broke. A Telegram channel affiliated with Wagner claimed on Wednesday that the plane was “shot down” in the sky over the Tver region by the Russian Defence Ministry.

According to the Telegram channel linked to the Wagner Grey Zone,&nbsp;"The plane was shot down in the sky over the Tver region by air defence forces of the Russian Defense Ministry."&nbsp;

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/russia-apart-from-wagner-boss-who-else-was-on-board-plane-that-crashed-628699">Apart from Wagner boss, who else was on board plane that crashed</a>&nbsp;

The post added, "It is reported that one of the Embraer Legacy 600 private planes belonging to Yevgeny Prigozhin disappeared from the radar at 18:20, the dispatchers tried to contact the crew, but to no avail, after which the air traffic controllers notified the Russian Ministry of Defense and air defence units about the incident."&nbsp;

The channel added that the second plane was also owned by Prigozhin. According to the Grey Zone, "The second Embraer 600 business jet with tail number RA-02795, which also belonged to the head of the Wagner Group, Yevgeny Prigozhin, landed at the Ostafyevo airport near Moscow."&nbsp;

The same channel also pronounced him dead, hailing him as a hero and a patriot who it said had died at the hands of unidentified people it called "traitors to Russia". Details of the post have been carried out by some media outlets, but WION can't independently verify them.&nbsp;

Watch this report:&nbsp;

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<h2>What do we know about the plane?</h2>

The Embraer executive jet model that crashed in Russia is pretty safe. It has only recorded one accident in more than 20 years of service, and that was not related to mechanical failure. Russia’s TASS news agency said the plane was a Brazilian Embraer jet.

Embraer said it was aware of a plane crash in Russia involving a Legacy 600 aircraft, but it did not have further information about the case and had not been providing support services for the jet since 2019.

"Embraer has complied with international sanctions imposed on Russia," the planemaker said. Sanctions block Western plane makers from providing parts or support for planes operated in Russia.

The aircraft, manufactured in 2007, fell under US Treasury sanctions in 2019 when it was listed under a prior registration, M-SAAN, according to a US government press release.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/is-wagner-chief-yevgeny-prigozhin-dead-heres-what-we-know-so-far-628679">Is Wagner chief Yevgeny Prigozhin dead? Here's what we know so far</a>&nbsp;

<h2>Who is behind the crash?&nbsp;</h2>

US President Joe Biden’s reaction to the plane crash was quite blunt and striking as he alleged involvement of Russian President Vladimir Putin. Biden said, "I don't know for a fact what happened, but I'm not surprised. There's not much that happens in Russia that Putin's not behind. But I don't know enough to know the answer."&nbsp;

France also said that there were "reasonable doubts" about the cause of the plane crash. 
But experts have said that whoever or whatever was behind the crash, his death would rid Putin of someone who had mounted the most serious challenge to the Russian leader's authority since he came to power in 1999. Notably, in June this year, Prigozhin staged a coup against Putin which eventually failed.&nbsp;

Not just Wagner chief, others who have opposed Putin or his interests have also <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/prigozhin-death-news-this-is-what-happened-to-other-putin-foes-628714">died under unclear circumstances</a> or come close to death in the past, including outspoken political leaders and journalists. Such claims have always been denied by Russia.&nbsp;

Abbas Gallyamov, a former Putin speech writer turned critic suggested&nbsp;without evidence that the Russian leader was behind the crash. Gallyamov wrote on Telegram: "The establishment is now convinced that it will not be possible to oppose Putin. Putin is strong enough and capable of revenge."&nbsp;

Bill Browder, a businessman and another Kremlin critic, wrote on X: "Putin never forgives and never forgets. He looked like a humiliated weakling with Prigozhin running around without a care in the world (after the mutiny). This will cement his authority." Browder has years of experience in Russia.&nbsp;

<h2>Who else was onboard the plane that crashed?&nbsp;</h2>

Russia's Federal Air Transport Agency released the names of two pilots and one flight attendant who lost their lives in the deadly crash. The agency cited the airline to confirm that Captain Aleksei Levshin, co-pilot Rustam Karimov, and flight attendant Kristina Raspopova died in the crash.&nbsp;

The agency also released the names of those who were onboard, apart from Prigozhin. The list includes Sergey Propustin, Evgeniy Makaryan, Aleksandr Totmin, and Nikolay Matuseev. Two names stood out — Valeriy Chekalov and Dmitry Utkin. &nbsp;

Chekalov was a senior aide to Prigozhin designated by the US Treasury for acting "for or on behalf of Prigozhin and has facilitated shipments of munitions to the Russian Federation".&nbsp;

On the other hand, Utkin was Prigozhin's right-hand man who helped establish the mercenary group and bore the call sign "Wagner".&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies) 
 
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A plane reportedly carrying Yevgeny Prigozhin, head of the Wagner Group, crashed on Wednesday (August 23), killing all 10 on board. Russian officials confirmed that Prigozhin’s name was on the list but it can not be confirmed if he was actually on the plane.

A plane reportedly carrying Yevgeny Prigozhin, head of the Wagner Group, crashed on Wednesday (August 23), killing all 10 on board. Russian officials confirmed that Prigozhin’s name was on the list but it can not be confirmed if he was actually on the plane. Flight tracking data showed that soon after the crash, a second private jet thought to be linked to Prigozhin also appeared to be heading to St. Petersburg, but it was turned back to Moscow and later landed. Was the plane shot down? Some bizarre theories have been doing the rounds since the news of the plane crash broke. A Telegram channel affiliated with Wagner claimed on Wednesday that the plane was “shot down” in the sky over the Tver region by the Russian Defence Ministry. According to the Telegram channel linked to the Wagner Grey Zone, "The plane was shot down in the sky over the Tver region by air defence forces of the Russian Defense Ministry." Also read: Apart from Wagner boss, who else was on board plane that crashed The post added, "It is reported that one of the Embraer Legacy 600 private planes belonging to Yevgeny Prigozhin disappeared from the radar at 18:20, the dispatchers tried to contact the crew, but to no avail, after which the air traffic controllers notified the Russian Ministry of Defense and air defence units about the incident." The channel added that the second plane was also owned by Prigozhin. According to the Grey Zone, "The second Embraer 600 business jet with tail number RA-02795, which also belonged to the head of the Wagner Group, Yevgeny Prigozhin, landed at the Ostafyevo airport near Moscow." The same channel also pronounced him dead, hailing him as a hero and a patriot who it said had died at the hands of unidentified people it called "traitors to Russia". Details of the post have been carried out by some media outlets, but WION can't independently verify them. Watch this report: × What do we know about the plane? The Embraer executive jet model that crashed in Russia is pretty safe. It has only recorded one accident in more than 20 years of service, and that was not related to mechanical failure. Russia’s TASS news agency said the plane was a Brazilian Embraer jet. Embraer said it was aware of a plane crash in Russia involving a Legacy 600 aircraft, but it did not have further information about the case and had not been providing support services for the jet since 2019. "Embraer has complied with international sanctions imposed on Russia," the planemaker said. Sanctions block Western plane makers from providing parts or support for planes operated in Russia. The aircraft, manufactured in 2007, fell under US Treasury sanctions in 2019 when it was listed under a prior registration, M-SAAN, according to a US government press release. Also read: Is Wagner chief Yevgeny Prigozhin dead? Here's what we know so far Who is behind the crash? US President Joe Biden’s reaction to the plane crash was quite blunt and striking as he alleged involvement of Russian President Vladimir Putin. Biden said, "I don't know for a fact what happened, but I'm not surprised. There's not much that happens in Russia that Putin's not behind. But I don't know enough to know the answer." France also said that there were "reasonable doubts" about the cause of the plane crash. But experts have said that whoever or whatever was behind the crash, his death would rid Putin of someone who had mounted the most serious challenge to the Russian leader's authority since he came to power in 1999. Notably, in June this year, Prigozhin staged a coup against Putin which eventually failed. Not just Wagner chief, others who have opposed Putin or his interests have also died under unclear circumstances or come close to death in the past, including outspoken political leaders and journalists. Such claims have always been denied by Russia. Abbas Gallyamov, a former Putin speech writer turned critic suggested without evidence that the Russian leader was behind the crash. Gallyamov wrote on Telegram: "The establishment is now convinced that it will not be possible to oppose Putin. Putin is strong enough and capable of revenge." Bill Browder, a businessman and another Kremlin critic, wrote on X: "Putin never forgives and never forgets. He looked like a humiliated weakling with Prigozhin running around without a care in the world (after the mutiny). This will cement his authority." Browder has years of experience in Russia. Who else was onboard the plane that crashed? Russia's Federal Air Transport Agency released the names of two pilots and one flight attendant who lost their lives in the deadly crash. The agency cited the airline to confirm that Captain Aleksei Levshin, co-pilot Rustam Karimov, and flight attendant Kristina Raspopova died in the crash. The agency also released the names of those who were onboard, apart from Prigozhin. The list includes Sergey Propustin, Evgeniy Makaryan, Aleksandr Totmin, and Nikolay Matuseev. Two names stood out — Valeriy Chekalov and Dmitry Utkin. Chekalov was a senior aide to Prigozhin designated by the US Treasury for acting "for or on behalf of Prigozhin and has facilitated shipments of munitions to the Russian Federation". On the other hand, Utkin was Prigozhin's right-hand man who helped establish the mercenary group and bore the call sign "Wagner". (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Explained | Yevgeny Prigozhin presumed dead: Was plane shot down by missile? Who is behind the crash?

The head of the Wagner mercenary group, Yevgeny Prigozhin, reportedly died on Wednesday (August 24) in a private plane crash that killed all 10 onboard, including crew members in Moscow's Tver region.&nbsp;

Russia's Federal Air Transport Agency released the names of two pilots and one flight attendant who lost their lives in the deadly crash. The agency cited the airline to confirm that Captain Aleksei Levshin, co-pilot Rustam Karimov, and flight attendant Kristina Raspopova died.&nbsp;

Russia's Federal Air Transport Agency also released the names of those who were onboard, apart from Prigozhin. The list includes&nbsp;Sergey Propustin, Evgeniy Makaryan, Aleksandr Totmin, and&nbsp;Nikolay Matuseev. Two names stood out —&nbsp;Valeriy Chekalov and Dmitry Utkin.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/is-wagner-chief-yevgeny-prigozhin-dead-heres-what-we-know-so-far-628679">Is Wagner chief Yevgeny Prigozhin dead? Here's what we know so far</a>&nbsp;

Chekalov was a senior aide to Prigozhin designated by the US Treasury for acting "for or on behalf of Prigozhin and has facilitated shipments of munitions to the Russian Federation".&nbsp;

On the other hand, Utkin was Prigozhin's right-hand man who helped establish the mercenary group and bore the call sign "Wagner".&nbsp;

The Kremlin stayed mum on the Wagner chief's death, but Russian investigators said they had opened a criminal investigation.&nbsp;

Some unnamed sources told Russian media that they believed the plane had been shot down by one or more surface-to-air missiles.&nbsp;

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/video-shows-the-moment-wagner-chiefs-plane-tumbled-toward-ground-crashing-in-fireball-628645">A metallic bang and smoke: Witnesses describe the scene of Wagner chief's plane crash</a>&nbsp;

Watch this report:&nbsp;

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<h2>What did Ukraine and the West say?&nbsp;</h2>

A senior aide to the Ukrainian presidency said that the crash of a plane was a signal from the Kremlin. Ukrainian presidential aide Mykhaylo Podolyak wrote on social media: "The demonstrative elimination of Prigozhin and the Wagner command two months after the coup attempt is a signal from Putin to Russia's elites ahead of the 2024 elections. 'Beware! Disloyalty equals death'."&nbsp;

Meanwhile, US President Joe Biden said he was "not surprised" at the news that Prigozhin may have died. He even suggested that Russian President Vladimir Putin was involved.&nbsp;

France said Thursday that there were "reasonable doubts" about the cause of the plane crash.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

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The head of the Wagner mercenary group, Yevgeny Prigozhin, reportedly died on Wednesday (August 24) in a private plane crash that killed all 10 onboard, including crew members in Moscow's Tver region.

The head of the Wagner mercenary group, Yevgeny Prigozhin, reportedly died on Wednesday (August 24) in a private plane crash that killed all 10 onboard, including crew members in Moscow's Tver region. Russia's Federal Air Transport Agency released the names of two pilots and one flight attendant who lost their lives in the deadly crash. The agency cited the airline to confirm that Captain Aleksei Levshin, co-pilot Rustam Karimov, and flight attendant Kristina Raspopova died. Russia's Federal Air Transport Agency also released the names of those who were onboard, apart from Prigozhin. The list includes Sergey Propustin, Evgeniy Makaryan, Aleksandr Totmin, and Nikolay Matuseev. Two names stood out — Valeriy Chekalov and Dmitry Utkin. Also read: Is Wagner chief Yevgeny Prigozhin dead? Here's what we know so far Chekalov was a senior aide to Prigozhin designated by the US Treasury for acting "for or on behalf of Prigozhin and has facilitated shipments of munitions to the Russian Federation". On the other hand, Utkin was Prigozhin's right-hand man who helped establish the mercenary group and bore the call sign "Wagner". The Kremlin stayed mum on the Wagner chief's death, but Russian investigators said they had opened a criminal investigation. Some unnamed sources told Russian media that they believed the plane had been shot down by one or more surface-to-air missiles. Also read: A metallic bang and smoke: Witnesses describe the scene of Wagner chief's plane crash Watch this report: × What did Ukraine and the West say? A senior aide to the Ukrainian presidency said that the crash of a plane was a signal from the Kremlin. Ukrainian presidential aide Mykhaylo Podolyak wrote on social media: "The demonstrative elimination of Prigozhin and the Wagner command two months after the coup attempt is a signal from Putin to Russia's elites ahead of the 2024 elections. 'Beware! Disloyalty equals death'." Meanwhile, US President Joe Biden said he was "not surprised" at the news that Prigozhin may have died. He even suggested that Russian President Vladimir Putin was involved. France said Thursday that there were "reasonable doubts" about the cause of the plane crash. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Russia: Apart from Wagner boss, who else was onboard plane that crashed