Prigozhin’s mother, Wioletta Prigozhina, stated in an interview with Russian media that her son never intended to overthrow President Putin, emphasizing his focus on addressing military challenges during Russia’s war with Ukraine.
Wagner Group Rebellion. Prigozhin’s Mother: He Did Not Intend to Overthrow Putin
Wioletta Prigozhina gave an interview to the Russian portal Fontanka, detailing the behind-the-scenes aspects of the Wagner Group uprising in June 2023, during which the group seized Rostov-on-Don and launched a march toward Moscow that ended after several hours. She claimed her son never planned a coup, stating, “He certainly did not intend to overthrow Putin. He wanted to reach the military command.”
Russia. Wioletta Prigozhina on the Interruption of the Wagner March
According to information provided by Prigozhina’s mother, the Wagner march was a spontaneous action aimed at drawing attention to the challenges faced by Russians during the war with Ukraine. Jewgienij Prigozhin believed the Russian military leadership had not adequately addressed these issues. Wioletta Prigozhina also noted that the march to Rostov-on-Don was halted by her son for ethical reasons, as he could not “shoot at young cadets.” She confirmed that DNA tests confirmed her son’s death, dismissing claims that he faked his death and fled.
Death of Jewgienij Prigozhin
Jewgienij Prigozhin died on August 23, 2023. The Russian Ministry of Emergency Situations stated he perished in a private plane crash traveling from Moscow to St. Petersburg. Wioletta Prigozhina last saw him on August 15, 2023, and described him as “doomed to destruction.” She suggested he had anticipated his death shortly afterward.
Source: Gazeta, Fontanka
