(Reuters) – A new video has emerged of Russian mercenary leader Yevgeny Prigozhin in Africa just days before his death, addressing speculation about his safety and potential threats to his security.
“For those who are discussing whether I am alive or not, and how I am doing – now it is the weekend, the second half of August 2023, I am in Africa,” Prigozhin said in the short video published by the Gray Zone website. Telegram channel associated with his Wagner group.
“So for people who like to discuss my elimination or my private life, or how much I earn or whatever – it’s all good,” he adds, waving his hand.
Reuters was unable to verify the location or date of the video, which was filmed inside a moving car. Prigozhin’s camouflage clothing and hat, as well as the watch on his right hand, matched his appearance in a video released on August 21, which he also claimed was filmed in Africa.
The reference to “the weekend” suggests that the final clip must have been filmed on August 19 or 20, just three or four days before he and other Wagner dignitaries and bodyguards were killed in a plane crash north of Moscow on August 23. .
His comments in the video reflected Prigozhin’s awareness of the dangers threatening his life.
Wagner’s forces fought alongside Russia in the Ukraine war, but he harshly criticized the defense establishment and led a brief mutiny in late June.
The Kremlin rejected the claim that President Vladimir Putin killed Prigozhin in retaliation, calling it an “absolute lie,” but said the investigation into the incident was looking into the possibility of foul play.
Prigozhin was buried at the Porokhovskoe cemetery in his hometown of St. Petersburg on Tuesday.
(Reporting by Mark Trevelyan; Editing by Alex Richardson)
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