Statue of Russian Mercenary Prigozhin Unveiled at His Grave
A statue of Yevgeny Prigozhin, leader of the Wagner militia, was unveiled at his grave in Saint Petersburg. Prigozhin, who led a mutiny against Russian military leaders, died in a plane crash two months later. His memorial ceremony was attended by mourners and soldiers, while President Putin has denied any Kremlin involvement in his death.
A bronze statue of Yevgeny Prigozhin was unveiled at his grave in Saint Petersburg's Porokhovskoye cemetery, coinciding with what would have been his 63rd birthday.
Prigozhin, who led the Wagner private militia, was known for his role in the Ukraine conflict and a brief mutiny against Russian military leaders.
Despite being later declared a traitor by President Vladimir Putin, Prigozhin remains a controversial figure supported by some military bloggers.
He died in a plane crash two months after his failed mutiny.
The unveiling ceremony was attended by mourners and soldiers, including some wearing Wagner insignia.
A makeshift memorial for Prigozhin had been in place near the Kremlin prior to this.
Following his death, Putin mentioned grenade fragments in the plane wreckage but denied Kremlin involvement.
Meanwhile, long-time defense chief Sergei Shoigu, criticized by Prigozhin, was removed by Putin last month.