Prigozhin mördad? Hans plan kraschade (2023-08-23)

Dmitry Utkin

Perhaps the most well-known figure in Wagner aside from Prigozhin, Utkin, is also shrouded in mystery. He served in Spetsnaz, Russia's elite special forces, from 1993-2013, during which he performed stints in Chechnya. Following his exit from the military, almost nothing is concretely known about him. He hasn't been seen in public since 2016, according to Foreign Policy, and analysts disagree as to whether he was an integral part of founding Wagner or a red herring.

His status as being at Prigozhin's side at the time of his death seems to confirm a more involved role. Professor Dani Belo of Carleton University’s Norman Paterson School of International Affairs believes that he served as the true head of the organization, with Prigozhin serving as a figurehead.

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Valery Chekalov

According to the Russian Telegram channel Signal, Chekalov was Prigozhin's deputy at Wagner and reportedly in charge of the group's security service.

He was targeted by United States sanctions last month for having "acted for or on behalf of Prigozhin" and having facilitated "shipments of munitions to the Russian Federation."