John Adoyi, PBA Journalism Mentee
The spokesman of the Russian Federation, Dmitry Peskov, has debunked allegations linking the government to the plane crash that claimed the life of Yevgeny Prigozhin, the leader of Wagner, a private military group that matched on Moscow in June.
Speaking with reporters on Friday, Spokesman Peskov argued that the West is blaming the Russian government without facts.
“Now, naturally, there are many speculations over this plane crash and the tragic death of the passengers, including Yevgeny Prigozhin. Of course, the West is selling these speculations from a certain angle. All of them are absolute lies. Here, of course, in covering this issue it is necessary to be based solely on facts,” Peskov said.
READ ALSO: World Leaders React As Wagner Boss Prigozhin Dies In Russia Plane Crash
It was reported on Wednesday evening that a private plane carrying 10 passengers including Prigozhin, from Moscow to St. Petersburg crashed some minutes after takeoff, killing all passengers on board.
Intelligence from the United States and the United Kingdom alleged Kremlin’s involvement and said the Embraer business jet was fine 30 seconds before it went down.
READ ALSO: Wagner’s Yevgeny Prigozhin: Gone For Better Or For Worse?
According to Peskov, the real cause of the crash has not been established until investigations are completed from which everyone will learn the truth.
“Yesterday, speaking on this subject, the president (Russian President Vladimir Putin) said that he was waiting exactly for the results of the investigation, which will be completed in the foreseeable future, and you and I will learn the details,” Peskov said.
According to reports, Criminal proceedings have been initiated over a violation of safety and air transport operation rules.
In June, Wagner mercenaries led by its leader, Yevgeny Prigozhin, attempted a mutiny in Moscow in protest against alleged wrong treatment the Wagner mercenaries were getting from the Russian military leaders. President Putin described the move by Prigozhin as a “stab in the back” and ever since speculations have been making the rounds concerning Prigozhin’s inevitable drop from grace and possible death.
