Prigozhin's fate was inevitable: Putin has a history of hunting traitors - Alicia Kearns
It was only a matter of time before Yevgeny Prigozhin's death. Putin has a history of hunting his traitors, Prigozhin was bound to face the same fate, writes Alicia Kearns.
Russia: Footage allegedly shows crash site of jet carrying Prigozhin
Some say it was only a matter of time before Prigozhin died.
But Putin has sent quite some message with the shooting down of the former head of Wagner’s private jet.
Just two months ago, Putin guaranteed Prigozhin’s safety if he departed for Belarus.
But for Putin, there is one unforgivable sin: The betrayal of Putin and Putin’s Russia.
He has a history of hunting those he considers traitors.
So Prigozhin was bound to face the same fate – after Putin had consolidated his power and re-asserted control over the Wagner Network, an asset he cannot afford to lose.
There were claims Prigozhin might have been flying in a second jet, but it’s unlikely Russian Security Services would not have made sure he was on the doomed plane.
What we learn from this is that Putin will allow no opposition to survive and will accept no disobedience or betrayal.
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But the blatant killing also suggests he feels the need to warn off others.
It is possible the murder was commissioned by security services or armed forces, which would give him deniability.
But for Putin, a chapter of uncertainty and unease is over.
Alicia Kearns MP, Foreign Affairs Select Committee chair