Prigozhin's noteworthy monument and inscription
Evgeny Prigozhin, an oligarch aliases as "Putin's chef", finally has his first monument in Russia. Prigozhin was known for creating and leading the Wagner Group. His death came on August 23, 2023, as a result of a plane crash in Kuzenkina, Tver region, which is also where his commemorative obelisk was erected. Prigozhin was deemed a role model and hero by many Russians.
3:07 PM EST, November 19, 2023
Prigozhin's career, from criminal to oligarch, ran the gamut of surprise, upheaval, and unpredictability. Originating from Petersburg, he started his career as a restaurateur, then gained fame as "Putin's chef". He became a pivotal figure in the Kremlin's inner circle, leading to the creation and command of the infamous Wagner Group, and finally transitioning into an adversary for the President of the Russian Federation.
Today, it is undeniably believed that Prigozhin's demise was orchestrated by Russian services and Vladimir Putin, who vowed revenge on the oligarch after a coup in June and seemingly fulfilled his promise. Yet for many Russians, the leader of the Wagner Group remained heroic. This sentiment likely contributed to the idea of erecting a monument in his honor.
The monument stands at the crash site of the millionaire turned fugitive Prigozhin, in the village of Kuzenkina.
The obelisk features a portrayal of the oligarch alongside emblems of the Wagner Group, suggesting that it was commissioned by people connected to the unit. Also on display are two flags with Wagner symbols and an inscription on a plaque. Notably, there are no flags or symbols associated with the Russian Federation present.
A Russian hero and eminent commander died here. Creator and leader of the world's most powerful army - reads the inscription on the memorial plaque.
In Russian folklore, a Bogatyr is depicted as a chivalrous figure akin to a Western European knight. This character, presented in medieval East Slavic myths, is renowned for strength, fearlessness, courage, and patriotic valor. The head of the Wagner Group embodied such a profile for many Russians until his demise.
The fate of the Wagner Group following the death of Evgeny Prigozhin
Following Prigozhin's death, the Wagner Group did not disband but was controlled by Putin. The squad's leaders had to affirm their loyalty to the Russian President, indicating a shift in the mercenaries' future missions. These units continue to serve the country worldwide, however, under novel conditions.
Despite a thorough screening, the squad currently falls under the auspices of the Russian National Guard.
Prigozhin's 25-year-old son, Pavel, is rumored to have taken over as the head of the Wagner Group, as reported by the "Kyiv Post". These squads were integrated into Vladimir Putin's private army, which is structured to safeguard state security against domestic rebellions. This force has expanded significantly, indicative of the massive NKVD units from the USSR era.
