"Russia's Wagner Empire in Turmoil: Prigozhin's Death Confirmed, Putin Takes Action"

Russia's Investigative Committee has confirmed that Yevgeny Prigozhin, founder of the mercenary force Wagner Group, was killed in a plane crash. The crash occurred between Moscow and St. Petersburg, and all 10 bodies recovered from the crash site have been identified. The cause of the crash remains unknown. Prigozhin had recently led a short-lived armed rebellion against Russia's military, but a deal was struck with the Kremlin to end the revolt, allowing him to walk free without facing charges. Questions remain about whether Prigozhin's uprising would have consequences for Putin's authority. A preliminary U.S. intelligence assessment suggests that an intentional explosion caused the crash, but the Kremlin has denied these claims.