In a solemn ceremony on Saturday, mourners and soldiers gathered to pay tribute to Yevgeny Prigozhin, a pro-Kremlin mercenary known for his leadership in the Wagner private militia. The event marked the unveiling of a bronze statue at Prigozhin’s grave in Saint Petersburg’s Porokhovskoye cemetery.
Prigozhin gained notoriety for his involvement in the Wagner private militia, which operated alongside Russian forces in Ukraine, notably capturing the city of Bakhmut after a prolonged assault. Last June, he orchestrated a 24-hour mutiny, seizing Russian military command buildings in Rostov and threatening to march on Moscow to challenge the country’s military leadership.
In social media messages, Prigozhin voiced his grievances against alleged corruption and mismanagement within Russia’s Defense Ministry and General Staff. However, his mutiny ended in retreat and condemnation from President Vladimir Putin, who labeled him a traitor. Tragically, Prigozhin perished in a plane crash two months later, on what would have been his 63rd birthday.
The unveiling of the statue was attended by mourners, including soldiers bearing Wagner insignia, who laid flowers at the base of the memorial. Prigozhin’s popularity among his troops and support from Russia’s pro-offensive military bloggers were evident in the makeshift memorial that had stood for months near the Kremlin in Moscow.
Initially buried in a discreet ceremony after the plane crash, Prigozhin’s death prompted remarks from Putin, who acknowledged his talent while acknowledging “serious mistakes.” The Kremlin has denied any involvement in the crash, despite reports of grenade fragments found in the wreckage.
Recent developments within Russia’s defense establishment include the removal of long-time defense chief Sergei Shoigu, a target of Prigozhin’s criticism, and the arrest of several senior military figures on corruption charges. These actions have underscored the lingering impact of Prigozhin’s actions and the ongoing repercussions within Russia’s military hierarchy.