Who is Wagner chief Yevgeny Prigozhin, former Putin ally who once sold hotdogs?
Yevgeny Prigozhin is the founder and leader of Wagner, a private military group that has been involved in various conflicts around the world, often supporting Russian interests. He is also a wealthy businessman who made his fortune by catering for the Kremlin and other government institutions. He was once a close ally of Russian President Vladimir Putin, but now he is facing his wrath after launching an apparent rebellion against the military leadership.
From hotdog seller to "Putin's chef"
Prigozhin was born and raised in St. Petersburg, the same city as Putin. He had a troubled youth and spent several years in prison for robbery and fraud in the 1980s. After his release, he started out selling hotdogs on the streets of his hometown. He soon expanded his business and opened his own supermarket chain and restaurant.
His restaurant, called New Island, gained a reputation for its fine cuisine and hosted many city dignitaries, including then deputy mayor Vladimir Putin. Prigozhin and Putin became acquainted and developed a friendly relationship.
Prigozhin's catering company, Concord, began to win lucrative contracts with the Kremlin and other government agencies. He also branched out into other sectors, such as media, internet trolling, and mining. He earned the nickname "Putin's chef" for his close ties to the president and his role in providing food for state events.
From "Putin's chef" to Wagner chief
Prigozhin's involvement in military affairs began in 2014, when Russia annexed Crimea from Ukraine and backed separatist forces in the eastern Donbas region. Prigozhin founded Wagner as a shadowy mercenary outfit that fought alongside the pro-Russian rebels and carried out covert operations for the Kremlin.
Wagner soon expanded its activities to other countries, such as Syria, Libya, the Central African Republic, and Mali, where it supported Russian-backed causes or interests. Wagner mercenaries were often paid by Prigozhin's companies or by local allies. They also received training, equipment, and air support from the Russian military.
Prigozhin denied any link to Wagner for years and sued journalists who exposed his connection. However, he admitted last September that he had founded the group in 2014. He also became more vocal and visible in his role as Wagner chief, issuing statements and videos on social media and appearing near the front lines.
From Wagner chief to rebel leader
Prigozhin's relationship with Putin and the Russian military deteriorated after Russia invaded Ukraine last year. Wagner mercenaries played a key role in several battles, but they also clashed with the regular army over strategy, resources, and recognition.
Prigozhin accused Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu and Chief of General Staff Valery Gerasimov of sabotaging Wagner's operations and causing unnecessary casualties. He used foul language and personal insults to attack them publicly. He also claimed that Wagner had captured more territory than the official army and deserved more credit.
In June 2023, Prigozhin announced that he had taken control of two cities in southern Russia: Rostov-on-Don and Volgograd. He said he had seized military facilities and weapons from the army and declared himself the leader of a "people's militia". He threatened to march on Moscow and overthrow the military leadership unless Putin intervened.
Putin denounced Prigozhin's actions as an "armed rebellion" and vowed to punish those involved. He ordered a state of emergency and deployed troops to quell the uprising. He also accused Prigozhin of being a foreign agent who was trying to destabilize Russia.
Prigozhin denied any foreign involvement and said he was acting in the interests of Russia and its people. He said he wanted to expose the corruption and incompetence of the military elite and restore Russia's dignity and sovereignty.
The standoff between Prigozhin and Putin has plunged Russia into a deep crisis that could have serious consequences for the country's stability and security. It also raises questions about Prigozhin's motives, goals, and allies. Who is Yevgeny Prigozhin, the Wagner chief turned rebel? And what does he want?
From rebel leader to fugitive or martyr?
Prigozhin’s apparent mutiny attempt has put him in a dangerous position. He is now facing criminal charges of treason, terrorism, and attempted coup d’etat. He is also a target of the Russian security forces, who have been ordered to capture or kill him.
Prigozhin has vowed to resist and fight back, claiming that he has thousands of loyal supporters and allies. He has also appealed to Putin to intervene and stop the bloodshed. He said he still respects Putin and considers him a friend, but he cannot tolerate the betrayal and incompetence of the military leadership.
However, Putin has shown no signs of sympathy or compromise. He has condemned Prigozhin’s actions as an “armed rebellion” and a “foreign plot” to destabilize Russia. He has also accused Prigozhin of being a “traitor” and a “criminal” who has violated his oath and trust.
Putin’s response suggests that he sees Prigozhin as a threat or a liability, not an asset or a partner. Putin may have used Prigozhin and Wagner to advance his interests in the past, but he may also fear their growing power and influence. Putin may also want to distance himself from Prigozhin and Wagner’s controversial and illegal activities, which have drawn international criticism and sanctions.
Prigozhin’s fate is uncertain, but it is unlikely that he will survive this confrontation. He may end up dead, captured, or exiled. He may also become a martyr or a hero for some segments of the Russian society, especially those who share his nationalist and anti-establishment views.
Prigozhin’s rebellion may not succeed in overthrowing Putin or the military leadership, but it may expose the cracks and weaknesses in the Russian system. It may also trigger more unrest and violence in the country, which is already facing economic, social, and political challenges.
Prigozhin’s story is a remarkable one, from a hotdog seller to a “Putin’s chef” to a Wagner chief to a rebel leader. But it may also be a tragic one, as he may have overplayed his hand and sealed his doom.
Source:
(1) Wagner chief to leave Russia in deal to ease crisis. https://www.newindianexpress.com/world/2023/jun/25/wagner-chief-to-leave-russia-in-deal-to-ease-crisis-2588391.html.
(2) Russia News LIVE Updates: Wagner Chief Calls Off March to Moscow, to Move to Belarus After Deal. https://www.msn.com/en-in/news/other/russia-news-live-updates-wagner-chief-calls-off-march-to-moscow-to-move-to-belarus-after-deal/ar-AA1cZGQi.
(3) Russia to drop charges against rebel leader, Wagner chief to go to Belarus. https://www.rediff.com/news/report/russia-to-drop-charges-against-rebel-leader-wagner-chief-to-go-to-belarus/20230625.htm.
(4) Yevgeny Prigozhin: Who is the Wagner chief turned rebel? | CNN. https://www.cnn.com/2023/06/24/europe/yevgeny-prigozhin-wagner-chief-russia-ukraine-intl/index.html.
(5) Who is Russian mercenary chief Yevgeny Prigozhin? | Reuters. https://www.reuters.com/world/europe/who-is-russian-mercenary-chief-yevgeny-prigozhin-2023-06-24/.
FAQ's
Who is Wagner Chief?
Yevgeny Prigozhin is the founder and bombastic leader of Russia's private military group Wagner. His organization is now in the midst of an apparent insurrection, after claiming control of military facilities in two cities and threatening to march on Moscow.
How did Yevgeny Prigozhin make his money?
After his release from prison in 1990, Prigozhin began selling hot dogs alongside his mother and stepfather at the Apraksin Dvor open-air market in Leningrad. Soon, according to a New York Times interview with him, "the rubles were piling up faster than his mother could count them."
Who is Wagner Group in Russia?
The Wagner Group includes a contingent known as Rusich, or Task Force Rusich, referred to as a "sabotage and assault reconnaissance group", which has been fighting as part of the Russian separatist forces in eastern Ukraine.
Who is Mr Prigozhin?
Spewing vulgarities, disregarding the law and displaying loyalty to no one but Mr. Putin, Mr. Prigozhin, a businessman known as “Putin's chef” because of his catering contracts with the Kremlin and Russian military, has become a symbol of wartime Russia: ruthless, shameless and lawless.
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