SUMMARY

• Russian mercenary chief, Yevgeny Prigozhin, suspected dead in jet crash near Moscow.
• U.S. President Joe Biden implies most Russian affairs bear Putin's hallmark.
• Prigozhin's past includes an FBI indictment for U.S. election interference.

When a private jet crashed north of Moscow, among its alleged passengers was Russian mercenary chief, Yevgeny Prigozhin. Although it's unconfirmed he was onboard, word around town pronounced him gone. This doesn't come as a shock to U.S. President Joe Biden, who candidly hinted that most happenings in Russia usually have Putin's fingerprints.

The dynamics are compelling. Some analysts are suggesting that Putin might be issuing a subtle warning to others: betray and face dire consequences. It seems Prigozhin himself had caused some ripples in June, attempting an armed mutiny, which, according to Putin, could've plunged Russia into a civil war. Following these events, Biden, with his characteristic wit, mentioned in jest to Prigozhin about being cautious about his food choices, implying potential danger.

Delving deeper into this high-stakes drama, CIA's top brass believe that such events might be Putin's deliberate orchestrations. Daniel Hoffman, ex-CIA operations head, doesn't mince words, suggesting Putin uses brutality to ensure loyalty. Meanwhile, Pavel Luzin, an expert at the Center for European Policy Analysis, perceives divisions within Russia's leadership, questioning Putin's decisions regarding Prigozhin.

But there's another layer to Prigozhin's story: the FBI's price tag on his head for meddling in U.S. elections. In 2018, he and his company were indicted for a propaganda campaign targeting the 2016 U.S. presidential race, favoring Donald Trump and maligning Hillary Clinton. And even though charges were dropped against his company in 2020, Prigozhin, as of 2022, cheekily confirmed on Russia's social media that he did interfere and would happily continue doing so.

Such a tapestry of power moves, international intrigue, and espionage hints at the turbulence beneath the calm waters of global politics.

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