U.S. President Joe Biden commented on the crash of Wagner leader Yevgeny Prigozhin's plane, stating: "I am not surprised by the possibility of Prigozhin's death," adding that "nothing happens in Russia without President Vladimir Putin's knowledge." In this regard, a senior White House official indicated that the possibility of the Wagner group's leader dying in a plane crash "would not surprise anyone" given his estrangement from President Vladimir Putin. National Security Council spokesperson Adrienne Watson stated in a statement: "We have seen the reports," adding, "if confirmed, it would not surprise anyone."
Additionally, the unified dispatch department in the city of Bologovsk, Tver region, announced that rescuers arriving at the crash site, where Yevgeny Prigozhin was on board, recovered seven bodies from the wreckage. It is noted that Prigozhin (62 years old) led a rebellion against the Russian military leadership on June 23-24, a rebellion that President Vladimir Putin stated was aimed at plunging Russia into a civil war. The rebellion ended with negotiations and what seemed to be an agreement with the Kremlin, which reportedly included Prigozhin's acceptance to relocate to neighboring Belarus. However, he appeared to move freely within Russia after the agreement. Prigozhin sought to oust Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu and Chief of General Staff Valery Gerasimov. He posted a video message on Monday indicating that he was in Africa.
