The life and death of Yevgeny Prigozhin tells us much about modern Russia. After spending years in prison, he launched a business career in St Petersburg in the 1990s, supported by former KGB agent Vladimir Putin.

Prigozhin became the figurehead of the Wagner mercenary group, whose troops supported the regular Russian army in Ukraine before launching a short-lived rebellion against Putin, now his country's President.

 

The cause of crash in which he died is still unknown, but it conforms with a familiar pattern of those who’ve crossed Putin.

 

Adrian Goldberg talks to reporter Zarine Zabrisky in Odessa, Ukraine about Prighozin's rise - and demise.

Produced in Birmingham by Adrian Goldberg and Harvey White.

 

Funded by subscriptions to the Byline Times.

 

Made by We Bring Audio for Byline Times.