Western politicians are known to have only good things to say about Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy (44). For months he has occupied the fortress in Kiev as the Ukrainians defend their homeland from Putin’s forces. But it is surprising that even the other side now finds words of appreciation.
Not just anyone, but all people Yevgeny Prigozhin (61), head of the infamous Wagner mercenary group, described Zelenskiy as a “nice” man. A journalist wanted to know from Prigozhin, who is also known as “Putin’s cook” because he became rich as a catering supplier for the Russian army, who he thought was more dangerous – Alexander Nezorov (63) or Volodymyr Zelensky?
Nezorov was a member of the Russian parliament for several years and worked as a journalist. He condemned Putin’s war against the former Soviet-era sister republic, left the country and became a naturalized citizen of Ukraine.
Prigozhin’s response was published by the press service of his company Concord Catering. “Although Zelensky is the president of a country currently hostile to the Russian Federation, he is a steadfast, confident, pragmatic and kind man.” Prigozhin was quoted as saying that he could not say the same about Alexander Nezorov. He can express himself well and is charming, but “honestly a talker,” Prigozhin says.
He became one of the most powerful men in Russia
In recent months, Prigozhin has become one of the most powerful men in Russia. “Putin’s cook” had always denied leading the Wagner mercenary group. Suddenly he is there. In September, a video leaked showing him personally recruiting prisoners for the war in Ukraine and addressing them in succinct words. Since then, new videos of Prigozhin have repeatedly appeared on social media, intended to show that he is playing a leading role in Ukraine.
Prigozhin also receives praise from Chechen leader and hardliner Ramzan Kadyrov (46), also known by the nickname “Putin’s bloodhound”. “I fully support him. My dear brother Prigozhin is a born warrior, his fighters are true professionals and patriots of Russia, fearless, tough and brave,” Kadyrov told Telegram last week. In his opinion, one should listen to the opinion of such people, because they “know exactly what is right and wrong in war”.
“Putin’s cook” now also supports start-ups
The fact that the former shadow man is suddenly attracting attention with public activism shows that Prigozhin is likely increasingly pursuing his own political agenda. Apparently, he recently campaigned to restrict access to YouTube in Russia.
He filed a corresponding application with the Attorney General. “Youtube is awash with fakes aimed at discrediting the Russian military and deliberately spreading false information about the actions of the Russian armed forces, state authorities and administration, and patriotic troops,” he said in a statement.
The mercenary has also opened his own business center in St. Petersburg. “TschWK Wagner Zentrum” is written in capital letters on the building. The abbreviation ChVK stands for “Chasnaya Voennaya kompaniya” – private military company.
The building complex is intended to provide free space for inventors, project developers, IT specialists, experimental manufacturers and start-ups who “will develop new ideas for improving Russia’s defense capability, including information capability, in a comfortable environment”. (Man)