Why it matters:
Russian President Vladimir Putin’s suggestion that the death of mercenary Yevgeny Prigozhin in a plane crash was not an assassination has raised questions about his opponents’ suspicious deaths.
What they are saying:
Putin claims that Prigozhin’s death was caused by cocaine and grenades on board the plane, rather than a coordinated assassination. U.S. officials, however, believe sabotage was involved.
The big picture:
This article highlights the pattern of suspicious deaths among Putin’s opponents, including the poisoning of former spy Alexander Litvinenko. Prigozhin’s death is believed to be a retaliation for his criticism of Putin’s military and the invasion of Ukraine.
What to watch:
Observers should monitor how Putin’s explanation is received both domestically and internationally. The investigation into Prigozhin’s death is ongoing, and any new evidence could shed light on the true cause of the crash.
My take:
The suspicious deaths of Putin’s opponents, including Prigozhin, raise concerns about the safety and well-being of individuals who openly criticize the Russian government. While Putin’s explanation may attempt to deflect blame, it is important to consider the broader pattern of targeted attacks on dissidents in Russia. The international community should continue to pressure Russia for transparency and accountability in these cases.
