The enigmatic figure of Yevgeny Viktorovich Prigozhin, whose life was shrouded in a web of political intrigue, has taken an unexpected turn with his presumed demise in a plane crash on August 23, 2023. A notable Russian oligarch, Prigozhin’s journey from a past as a convict in the Soviet Union to a close confidant of President Vladimir Putin captivated global attention.
Often dubbed “Putin’s chef” due to his culinary ventures that served the Kremlin, Prigozhin’s influence extended far beyond the culinary world. He orchestrated a network of companies, including the Wagner private military group and entities accused of meddling in U.S. elections. Investigative reports suggest his activities were intricately linked to Russia’s Defense Ministry and the GRU, its intelligence arm. As the world reflects on Prigozhin’s complex legacy, it’s equally compelling to delve into the life of his wife, Lyubov Prigozhina, who stood beside him during these tumultuous times.
Who Was Yevgeny Prigozhin’s Wife, Lyubov Prigozhina?
Lyubov Prigozhina, born on June 26, 1970, is the wife of Yevgeny Prigozhin, a prominent figure in Russia known for his various business ventures and alleged ties to the Wagner Group, a private military company. While Lyubov may be primarily recognized due to her marriage to Yevgeny, she is also an accomplished businesswoman in her own right.
One of her notable ventures is the ownership of a chain of boutique stores known as the Chocolate Museum in Saint Petersburg, which likely offers a delightful experience for chocolate enthusiasts. Additionally, Lyubov is involved in the wellness industry, owning a wellness center in the Leningrad region. Her entrepreneurial spirit is further exemplified by her ownership of the Crystal Spa & Residence, a boutique hotel that earned recognition with the Perfect Spa Project award in 2013.
Although Lyubov Prigozhina may live a relatively private life compared to her husband, her business endeavors in the realms of chocolate, wellness, and hospitality demonstrate her capability and success as a businesswoman in her own right.
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Know About Yevgeny Prigozhin’s Death
The reported death of Yevgeny Prigozhin, the chief of the Wagner Group, in a jet crash near Moscow on August 23, 2023, marks a significant development in the complex life of this controversial Russian figure. Prigozhin had been a shadowy character, known for his connections to various sectors and his close ties to Russian President Vladimir Putin, earning him the moniker “Putin’s Chef.”
Prigozhin’s demise comes just two months after his alleged mercenary army’s violent uprising against Russia, adding intrigue to the circumstances surrounding his death. His last known public appearance was in a video released shortly before the crash, where he claimed to be in Africa, presumably where his forces had retreated following their failed rebellion. Whether he had indeed been in Africa or had returned to Russia remains uncertain.
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Yevgeny Prigozhin’s notoriety extended beyond his involvement with the Wagner Group. He was associated with the Internet Research Agency (IRA), implicated in spreading disinformation and conducting online influence campaigns, including meddling in the 2016 U.S. presidential election. Prigozhin and affiliated companies faced indictments by the U.S. Department of Justice for their alleged role in these efforts.
Furthermore, he had been subjected to sanctions by the U.S. and the EU due to his alleged involvement in various illicit activities, which restricted his travel and froze his assets.
The circumstances of Prigozhin’s death raise questions about the implications for the Wagner Group and his wider network, as well as the potential political ramifications in Russia, where his close ties to Putin had long fueled speculation and intrigue.