Yevgeny Prigojin

Yevgeny Prigojin was a Russian businessman and former caterer known for his close ties to the Kremlin and significant role in various military and political operations, notably as the head of the Wagner Group, a private military company. Prigojin gained international notoriety for his involvement in conflicts in Syria and Ukraine, as well as for alleged interference in foreign elections. His prominence grew during the 2022 Russian invasion of Ukraine, where he became a key figure in the conflict. In June 2023, he led a short-lived mutiny against the Russian military leadership, challenging President Vladimir Putin's authority, before subsequently dying in a plane crash in August 2023, which many speculate was orchestrated by the Russian state.