President Biden expressed that he wasn't surprised by the reports, suggesting that much transpires in Russia without the involvement of President Vladimir Putin.
Analysts have speculated on the potential motives behind the incident, positing that it might serve as a warning from Putin to potential traitors or as a gesture of support to the Russian military. Prigozhin had previously instigated a failed armed mutiny in June, undermining the authority of the military leadership. Russian authorities indicated that Prigozhin was listed as a passenger on a private jet that tragically crashed north of Moscow, resulting in no survivors.
The White House confirmed that President Biden had been briefed about the crash. When questioned by reporters, President Biden admitted that he lacked concrete knowledge of the situation but stated: "There is not much that happens in Russia that Putin is not behind, but I don’t know enough to know the answer."
Yevgeny Prigozhin, aged 62, had orchestrated a mutiny against Russia's top army officials on June 23-24, an action that President Putin warned could have plunged Russia into a civil war.
In recent conversations, both President Biden and CIA Director Williams Burns had jokingly referred to the potential risks Prigozhin faced due to his actions. During a press conference with Finland's President Sauli Niinisto in July, President Biden humorously remarked: "If I were he, I’d be careful what I ate. I’d be keeping my eye on my menu."
The unfolding circumstances surrounding Yevgeny Prigozhin's reported demise continue to evoke curiosity, inviting broader contemplation of the implications within Russia's intricate political landscape. (ILKHA)