Moscow: Yevgeny Prigozhin, the leader of the Wagner private military company who recently led an armed rebellion against the Russian military, is presumed dead following a plane crash north of Moscow. The crash claimed the lives of all 10 individuals on board, including Prigozhin.

Russian civil aviation authorities confirmed that Prigozhin was on the plane, raising suspicions due to the secretive nature of his activities. The founder of Wagner had been the subject of intense speculation since his involvement in the mutiny against the Russian military earlier this year. President Vladimir Putin had labeled the rebellion as "treason" and "stab in the back," vowing to avenge it. However, charges against Prigozhin were subsequently dropped, allowing him to retreat to Belarus.

The crash occurred after Russian media reported the dismissal of a top general linked to Prigozhin from his position as the commander of the air force.

The plane, carrying seven passengers and three crew members, was en route from Moscow to St. Petersburg when it crashed almost 300 kilometers north of the capital. The crash has fueled speculation about the circumstances of Prigozhin's death, given his controversial past.

Yevgeny Prigozhin's Wagner private military company had played a significant role in Russia's operations in Ukraine. His forces were recognized as some of the most formidable in the conflict. Despite this development, Prigozhin's demise is not expected to significantly impact Russia's ongoing war in Ukraine.

Analysts suggest that the Kremlin might interpret Prigozhin's death as a form of retribution and an example for potential followers. His death is also seen as an opportunity for the Russian authorities to conclusively dismantle his operations within Russia.

Although Prigozhin's death might not spark widespread public outcry, those who supported him could be more apprehensive than inspired to protest. Others might view it as a deserved outcome.