US Intelligence Assessment: Intentional Explosion Downed Wagner Chief's Plane

Summary:

• U.S. intelligence attributes Russian plane crash to intentional explosion, killing Wagner group's leader.
• Ghani Purgosian, linked to failed coup against Putin, had been in exile in Belarus.
• Anonymous U.S. officials suggest Purgosian might have been targeted.
• Cause of the explosion remains uncertain.
• Putin acknowledges Purgosian's mistakes and offers condolences to his family.

U.S. intelligence officials now say an intentional explosion caused the Russian plane crash that killed the mercenary leader of the Wagner group. If Ghani Purgosian attempted a failed coup against Russian President Vladimir Putin back in June, Putin agreed to let Purgosian live in exile in Belarus, a country many argue was under the thumb of Russia. Now, U.S. officials who spoke anonymously with the Associated Press say Purgosian was probably targeted.

It's not clear what exactly caused that explosion. Vladimir Putin did say Purgosian made serious mistakes in life, but he, quote, achieved the results he needed. Putin also sent his condolences to Purgosian's family.