Dozens participated in the memorial ceremonies for the head of the Russian private military group Wagner, Yevgeny Prigozhin, held in Moscow and several Russian cities to commemorate 40 days since his death. His mother, Violetta, and son, Pavel, placed flowers on his grave in St. Petersburg, while his supporters waved black Wagner flags featuring a skull accompanied by the motto "Blood... Honor... Homeland... Courage." According to Eastern Orthodox beliefs, the soul makes its final journey to heaven or hell on the fortieth day after death.
The recruitment arm of Wagner stated on Telegram, "He can be criticized for certain events, but he was a nationalist who defended the interests of the motherland on different continents." They added, "He was a person of influence, and most importantly, he was close to the fighters and the people. This is why he became popular both within Russia and abroad." Participants in the memorial expressed their respect for Prigozhin.
Mikhail, a soldier in the Russian armed forces who declined to share his surname, told Reuters, "He was a real authority and a leader." Marta, a resident of Moscow who also refused to disclose her last name, stated that people believed in Prigozhin, but his death "cut off the head" of Wagner. She added, "With him died the hope for justice... after people believed in him." Footage from Friday showed Putin meeting with one of the former senior leaders of the Wagner group to discuss the best ways for "volunteer units" to be involved in the war in Ukraine.
