Palace Intrigue

In the weeks leading up to his purported death Yevgeny Prigozhin by all outward appearances seemed to be in a struggle with the Russian defense ministry over his criminal business empire in Africa.  

His comments in a video suggests that this video clip may have been recorded on or about August 19-20, mere days before an airplane that fell from the sky with his name on the passenger manifest. These comments imply that he was aware of the risks to his life.

Prigozhin, the warlord, was known to be preoccupied with his safety.  He owned multiple passports issued by various countries.  He wore disguises.  He frequently used body doubles to avoid attempts on his life. 

 

For everyone discussing whether I am alive or not and how I'm doing.  It's currently a weekend in the second half of August 2023.  I am in Africa.  So for those who like to speculate about my liquidation, my private life, my work there, or anything else; everything's fine.  Video- Grey Zone Telegram.

Russian authorities confirmed he's dead.  Wagner has confirmed he's dead; and buried.  Most reliable media outlets say he's dead.  Nevertheless, some Wagner PMC members do not believe that Prigozhin is dead.  His name on a passenger list is insufficient evidence.  Same for anything official said on the subject from Kremlin mouthpieces.  Other doubters insist that because Prigozhin faked his death previously in Arab Africa he's done it again and that he will resurface at a later date.

So, is he dead or alive?  I have my own thoughts that it is the former.  Yet, one thing seems for certain is that the myth surrounding his personality will persist.  There is no shortage of Russian intrigue and interweb conspiracies to feed it.  And no shortage of appetites to devour  it.

A Prigozhin interview in May with pro-war blogger Semyon Pegov included these prescient words:  We'll all end up in hell, but it we'll be in the best of hell.  Kill me if you will, but I'm not going to lie, I have to honestly say that Russia is on the brink of catastrophe.  If those cogs are not adjusted today, the airplane will fall apart in midair.

Prophetic for Prigozhin?  Or a metaphor about Russia?  Somethings seem to never change.

I cannot forecast to you the action of Russia.  it is a riddle, wrapped in a mystery, inside an enigma; but there is a key.  That key is Russian national interest.

-Winston Churchill