Russia considers possibility of Wagner boss plane being attacked

The Kremlin says investigators are looking into the possibility that the plane carrying Wagner Prigozhin was deliberately attacked.

"Obviously, various scenarios are being considered, including the possibility that the crash was caused by a deliberate act of cruelty. Let's wait for the results of our investigation," Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said on August 30.

Mr Peskov added that the investigation into the plane crash was being carried out by Russian investigators, without the participation of the International Civil Aviation Organization. "Let's wait for the results from Russian investigators," the spokesman said.

A portrait of Wagner boss Yevgeny Prigozhin at his grave at Porokhovskoye cemetery, St. Petersburg, Russia, August 30. Photo: Reuters

The Embraer Legacy 600 crashed in Tver province on August 23 while flying from Moscow to St. Petersburg. Three crew members and seven passengers on board were killed, including Wagner Prigozhin and several top associates.

The plane spun, spewed white smoke and broke into pieces before crashing, suggesting an explosion may have occurred on board. Experts say all evidence so far suggests there was no mechanical failure. The Embraer Legacy 600 has an excellent safety record and has not had a fatal accident since it entered service.

Plane carrying boss Wagner crashed

Embraer Legacy plane crashed in Tver province, western Russia, on August 23. Video : Telegram/RVvoenkor

Videos and photos posted on Telegram showed debris scattered in four locations within a radius of more than 3 km around the village of Kuzhenkino. Markus Schiller, a European missile expert who has worked for NATO and the European Union (EU), said this suggested the plane had experienced a “powerful explosion” in mid-air.

Robert Schmucker, a missile expert who advises NATO and the United Nations, said it was unlikely the plane was hit by a rocket or anti-aircraft missile.

After the plane crash, Russian President Putin sent condolences to the families of the victims and mentioned his long-standing acquaintance with Wagner. The Kremlin also condemned "false" accusations from the West that the Russian leader was behind the incident.

Prigozhin was buried on August 29 in a small ceremony at a cemetery on the outskirts of St. Petersburg, Russia, his hometown.

Scattered debris of the plane at the scene. Graphics: CNN

Ngoc Anh (According to Reuters )

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