Evgeny Prigozhin was a man who trusted very few people, but all his men trusted him. His great conquest prior to the invasion of Ukraine was in Africa, where he had an important comrade named Maxim Shugaley, a political strategist. Shugaley was reportedly involved in Russian interference in the presidential elections in Madagascar.
Shugaley recalls the day of Prigozhin’s death, stating that the plane was in good condition and it is hard for him to believe there was a technical failure. He mentions that Prigozhin, Wagner’s commander Dmitri Utkin, and others were all there that day, making the tragedy suspicious as it was one of the few instances when the leadership traveled together.
Wagner, according to Shugaley, was known for its efficiency in decision-making and execution. Shugaley had collaborated with Prigozhin and Wagner in Africa since 2018. He also highlights how Prigozhin played a crucial role in securing his release from a Libyan prison where he was detained in 2019.
Despite the accusations against Wagner for massacres and crimes against humanity, Shugaley expresses concern that they may be forgotten or misrepresented in history. He acknowledges the risks associated with his involvement in various activities and his collaboration with groups like the Taliban and Wagner. Since 2021, Shugaley has been heading the Foundation for the Protection of National Values. He reflects on the lack of media attention to the circumstances of Prigozhin’s death and the slow progress of the investigation, suggesting that internal as well as external forces may be involved.
