Yevgeny Prigozhin presumed dead after a plane crash in Russia

The name of Yevgeny Prigozhin, leader of the now-famous Wagner military group, is reportedly among the ten victims of a plane crash in northern Russia, reports CNN, citing Russian news agencies.

Wagner chief Yevgeny Prigozhin is listed among the passengers on board a plane that crashed in Russia, state media says. Follow live updates. https://t.co/dtgCiIVIIh

— CNN (@CNN) August 23, 2023

The head of the mercenary group had helped the Russians advance into Ukraine since the start of the invasion, then organized a full-scale rebellion against the Kremlin, claiming that Russian troops were targeting the mercenaries.

However, Yevgeny Prigozhin decided to turn back when he entered Moscow, citing an agreement between him and Vladimir Putin, negotiated by the Belarus president.

Russian state media also reportedly confirmed the news.