Wagner, a once-dominant Russian private military company, faces an uncertain future after the death of its leader, Yevgeny V. Prigozhin, in a plane crash. While the Kremlin may look for ways to maintain the group’s influence, the relationship between Wagner and the Russian state has grown more complex, particularly after a failed mutiny earlier in the year.
  

Key Points: 

1. Yevgeny V. Prigozhin, the head of the Wagner mercenary group, died in a suspicious plane crash along with nine others.
2. The Wagner group, founded in 2014, has operated in at least 10 countries and is seen as a significant geopolitical tool for Moscow.
3. Following the death of Prigozhin, questions arise about the future of Wagner and whether the Kremlin will try to bring it under more direct control.
4. Although Wagner has an internal council of commanders for day-to-day operations, the loss of Prigozhin might diminish its political capital in Russia.
5. Despite the setbacks, some Wagner fighters remain optimistic about the future of the group, emphasizing its commitment to Russia.

Source: https://www.nytimes.com/2023/08/27/world/europe/russia-wagner-prigozhin-future.html