Theory Claims Wagner Boss Prigozhin is Still Alive
- A conspiracy theory suggesting that Russian mercenary Yevgeny Prigozhin is still alive resurfaces a year after his supposed death in a plane explosion.
- The theory revolves around the Wagner boss, who was believed to have died in a tragic incident.
- Despite the claims, the truth of Prigozhin's fate remains uncertain.
A year after the fiery demise of Yevgeny Prigozhin, the former head of the Wagner Group, conspiracy theories suggesting he is still alive continue to circulate. Prigozhin's plane exploded mid-flight, killing all onboard, just two months after his audacious attempt to challenge President Vladimir Putin by marching towards the Kremlin. This act of defiance was rooted in his discontent with Putin's handling of the war in Ukraine, which has resulted in significant Russian casualties. On the anniversary of the crash, tributes poured in for Prigozhin at his grave in St. Petersburg and at various makeshift memorials across Russia. Amidst this remembrance, some bloggers revived the theory that Prigozhin may have survived an assassination attempt orchestrated by Putin. Russian academic Dr. Valery Solovey claimed that a double was used in the fatal flight, asserting that Prigozhin is "alive, well, and free," and plotting revenge against the Kremlin. Ukrainian intelligence chief Kyrylo Budanov also expressed skepticism about Prigozhin's death, suggesting that conclusions should not be hastily drawn. Anthropologist Alexandra Arkhipova noted that the resurgence of these theories indicates a segment of the Russian populace still aligns with Prigozhin's interests, hinting at a desire for more authoritarian leadership in the country. This ongoing speculation reflects the complex political landscape in Russia and the enduring impact of Prigozhin's legacy.