[News Figures] 'Putin's Chef' Involved in US Election Interference? Who is Prigozhin?

Ukraine Vanguard Unit, 'Wagner Group' Leader
Chef Before Putin's Rule... Mysterious Background
From Behind-the-Scenes Power to Core... Aiming for 'Defense Minister'

[Image source=Reuters·Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Hyunwoo Lee] Yevgeny Prigozhin, known as "Putin's Chef" and recognized as a close aide to Russian President Vladimir Putin, has drawn attention as he hinted at Russia's interference in U.S. elections. Having operated discreetly as a behind-the-scenes power broker, his increasing political and diplomatic statements have strengthened his position and influence, making his presence more prominent within Russian politics.

Within the Russian political sphere, it is pointed out that following a series of defeats in the Ukraine war, the position of Sergei Shoigu, Russia’s Defense Minister and previously considered a close aide and potential successor to President Putin, has significantly weakened. This has led to intensified political maneuvers by close aides vying for his position. As current commanders continue to be dismissed amid criticism from Putin’s inner circle and command confusion escalates on the battlefield, the Russian military is expected to face even more challenging circumstances.

◇Russia Hints at Interference in U.S. Election: "We Will Continue"

[Image source=EPA Yonhap News]

According to CNN on the 7th (local time), Prigozhin stated in a commentary posted on his Telegram channel, "Russia has interfered in U.S. elections, is currently doing so, and will continue to do so." He added, "We will proceed cautiously, precisely, like surgery, and during our precise operation period, we will remove the kidney and liver simultaneously."

The direct hint at U.S. election interference by a close aide to Putin has drawn significant attention to the background. Prigozhin currently leads the Wagner Group, Putin’s private mercenary force at the forefront of the Ukraine war, and was suspected of funding Russian troll farms during the 2016 U.S. presidential election.

U.S. intelligence agencies believe Prigozhin supported the Internet Research Agency (IRA), a pro-Russian propaganda organization based in Saint Petersburg, Russia. The IRA is known as a troll farm conducting political activities on social media platforms.

U.S. authorities suspect that during the 2016 U.S. election, the IRA led efforts to support Republican candidate Donald Trump and disparage Democratic candidate Hillary Clinton through manipulated public opinion. There have been ongoing suspicions that the IRA’s interference in U.S. elections is not a one-time event but recurs during every election cycle.

Especially ahead of the recent U.S. midterm elections, reports emerged that social media accounts linked to the IRA circulated messages attacking the Democratic Party, which supports U.S. military aid to Ukraine. U.S. intelligence agencies remain vigilant. According to CNN, the U.S. government has placed sanctions on Russians believed to be affiliated with the IRA and on Prigozhin himself.

◇Putin’s Personal Chef Before His Presidency... A Mysterious Figure

[Image source=AP Yonhap News]

Prigozhin is known as a mysterious figure even within Russia, with an unclear background. According to the British BBC, born in 1961, Prigozhin was originally selected and trained as a youth track athlete but was sentenced to 12 years in prison at age 18 for robbery and fraud charges, serving time until his release following the collapse of the Soviet Union in 1990.

After his release, he started a hot dog stand which became highly successful. He then fully entered the food service industry, founding Concord Catering, Russia’s largest catering company. From 1996, he was appointed as the personal chef to then-Putin, who was preparing for a presidential bid, and was known as a behind-the-scenes power broker. He currently leads and operates the Wagner Group, a mercenary force serving as a key vanguard unit on the Ukraine front.

Previously known only as a behind-the-scenes figure who rarely appeared publicly, he has recently increased private meetings with President Putin and begun exerting strong influence over the Russian military.

He has also voluntarily given interviews to Russian and foreign media, criticizing the Russian Ministry of Defense’s strategy regarding the Ukraine front, and since the implementation of the mobilization order, he has been directly encouraging recruitment of soldiers, further expanding his influence.

◇From Behind-the-Scenes Power Broker to Core of Power... Eyeing Defense Minister Position?

[Image source=Yonhap News]

His active political moves are analyzed as efforts to secure the position of Defense Minister, known as a close aide position to President Putin. With the position of Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu, previously regarded as Putin’s successor, greatly weakened, competition among Putin’s close aides has intensified.

Alongside Prigozhin, Ramzan Kadyrov, commander of the Chechen forces and another close aide to Putin whose influence has recently grown in Russia, is also believed to be aiming for the Defense Minister position. According to The Washington Post (WP), Kadyrov organized Chechen militias in 1999 before surrendering to the Russian government. He has led his mercenary forces in the 2008 Georgia war and the 2017 Syria war, earning Putin’s favor.

Amid the expanding influence of these aides, criticism of Russian frontline commanders has increased, further destabilizing the Russian military command structure. The New York Times (NYT) reported the previous day that Alexander Lapin, commander of the Russian Central Military District, was dismissed and stepped down.

Lapin was the field commander defending Svatove, a key stronghold in eastern Donetsk currently under Ukrainian offensive, and the area is reportedly at risk of falling. This sudden replacement of a commander amid a critical frontline situation is notable.

Lapin had previously been awarded a medal and the title of hero by President Putin in July for his achievements on the Ukraine front. However, since September, as Ukraine’s counteroffensive intensified and Russia suffered defeats on major fronts, he has faced various criticisms.

Leading the criticism against Lapin were Prigozhin and Kadyrov. Prigozhin questioned whether Lapin deserved the medal, while Kadyrov demanded his dismissal, accusing him of continuous poor performance and leading to defeats.