Will Russia have a new leader soon? Two months ago Yevgeny Prigozhin tried to overthrow Vladimir Putin. Now he has died in a plane crash. Many think it was not an accident.
Putin's 'revenge' may be mistake experts say
Will Russia have a new leader soon? Two months ago Yevgeny Prigozhin tried to overthrow Vladimir Putin. Now he has died in a plane crash. Many think it was not an accident.
What's happening?
The shaky phone video shows a plane falling from the sky above Russia on Wednesday night. Then, grey smoke fills the air as it hits the ground.
All 10 people on board died. One of them was a man named Yevgeny Prigozhin.
Yevgeny Prigozhin led the Wagner GroupA band of mercenaries operating around the world who have been accused of torture and other war crimes.. Recently, the group of professionalSomeone who does something as their profession, or job. E.g. playing music. soldiers have fought for RussiaThe largest country in the world by area. It has a population of 144 million people. in the war in Ukraine.
But two months, Prigozhin started a coupWhen an individual or group takes control of government by illegal means, including by violence. against Russian's leader Vladimir PutinRussia's ruler since 2000. He is a strong opponent of the West.. Wagner Group soldiers started marching towards Russia's capital city. They wanted to overthrow the president.
But Prigozhin soon made a deal and turned around. Since then, many people have been asking questions about his future.
Now, we know the answer. Prigozhin is believed to have died in a plane crash on Wednesday evening. At the moment, most believe that his death was not an accident.
Find out more
In the past, people who have criticised Vladimir Putin have died suddenly or been killed.
Some think Prigozhin's death is a win for Putin. One of his biggest rivalsPeople you are competing against. is dead. Others may be too scared to go against him.
But others think the chances of Russia soon having a new leader are higher than ever.
Prigozhin's Wagner soldiers have said that they will try again to overthrow Putin if it turns out Prigozhin was killed.
Meanwhile, others point out that leaders often turn to extreme violence when they are worried that they are weak.
Will Russia have a new leader soon?
Yes! Russia's economy is in trouble. Its soldiers are dying in Ukraine. Many Russians are angry. Putin cannot stay in power for much longer.
No! Putin has been in power for many years. People are too afraid to criticise him. They know he will kill people. And some worry that if someone else takes over, they will be even worse.
Keywords
Wagner Group - A band of mercenaries operating around the world who have been accused of torture and other war crimes.
Professional - Someone who does something as their profession, or job. E.g. playing music.
Russia - The largest country in the world by area. It has a population of 144 million people.
Coup - When an individual or group takes control of government by illegal means, including by violence.
Vladimir Putin - Russia's ruler since 2000. He is a strong opponent of the West.
Rivals - People you are competing against.
Putin’s ‘revenge’ may be mistake experts say
Glossary
Wagner Group - A band of mercenaries operating around the world who have been accused of torture and other war crimes.
Professional - Someone who does something as their profession, or job. E.g. playing music.
Russia - The largest country in the world by area. It has a population of 144 million people.
Coup - When an individual or group takes control of government by illegal means, including by violence.
Vladimir Putin - Russia’s ruler since 2000. He is a strong opponent of the West.
Rivals - People you are competing against.