What Putin Said About Prigozhin's Death Causes Stir

The Reaction of Russian President Vladimir Putin to the Wagner Group chief Yevgeny Prigozhin's death has caused a stir.

Putin on Thursday expressed his "condolences" over the plane crash that killed Prigozhin and 9 others, describing him as a man who made mistakes but "achieved results."

An investigation is currently underway into what caused Wednesday's crash, which came exactly two months after Wagner's short-lived rebellion against Moscow's military leadership.

"First of all I want to express words of sincere condolences to the families of all the victims," Putin said in a televised meeting, calling the incident a "tragedy."

"I knew Prigozhin for a very long time, since the early 90s. He was a man of complicated fate, and he made serious mistakes in his life, but he achieved the right results," Putin added.

He said that an investigation had been launched into the crash, and that "it will take some time."

"It will be conducted in full and brought to a conclusion. There is no doubt about that," Putin said, in footage showing a meeting with the Russian-installed head of the Donetsk region Denis Pushilin.

The circumstances of the crash, which claimed the lives of some of Prigozhin's close entourage, have prompted furious speculation about a possible assassination.

Putin's comments were the first public statement from the Russian leader about Prigozhin's death.

Prigozhin was a controversial figure who was closely associated with Russian President Vladimir Putin. He was the founder of the Wagner Group, a private military contractor that has been accused of human rights abuses in a number of countries.

Prigozhin was also known for his close ties to the Kremlin and his involvement in Russian election interference.

The circumstances of Prigozhin's death are still unclear. The plane that he was travelling in crashed shortly after takeoff from an airport in the Russian city of Sochi.

The cause of the crash has not yet been determined, but there is speculation that it may have been the result of sabotage or foul play.

The investigation into the crash is ongoing.

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