Today’s news summary – Paper Talk
Thursday’s front pages report on the death of the leader of Russia’s Wagner group. Russian officials say Yevgeny Prigozhin was on a private plane along with 9 others when it crashed. All 10 people on board died, according to Russia’s emergency ministry.
‘Putin’s Revenge’
The Daily Mirror and the Sun both report on ‘Putin’s revenge.’ The papers show the burning wreckage of the plane which reports suggest was carrying Yevgeny Prigozhin. The Sun says his death was announced on Russian state TV noting it’s been two months since Prigozhin led a mutiny against President Putin. The Mirror says it is believed Putin put Yevgeny Prigozhin on a “kill list” weeks ago and ordered his execution.
The Daily Telegraph says it has been told by UK security sources that the jet was “almost certainly” shot down by the Russian domestic intelligence agency, the FSB, on Putin’s orders. The paper reports local residents reportedly heard “two bursts” of air defence weapons.
The Daily Mail reports on a theory that a bomb was concealed in a case of fine wine that was taken onto the plane just “moments before take-off.”
Several papers report on speculation that Prigozhin may have been on a separate aircraft that landed safely in Moscow a short time later.
The Times reports the jet came down around 30 miles from Putin’s official residence, which has its own air defence system. The paper’s diplomatic editor says the use of air defences would be a “very public and emphatic” way of closing down his rivals.
The Daily Express and the Daily Star both suggest no one will be shocked that a man who challenged Putin would pay what the Express calls the “ultimate price.”
The Guardian says the failed mutiny led by Prigozhin would give the Russian state ample motive to take action against him. The paper adds media channels linked to the Wagner group suggested a Russian air defence missile shot down the plane.
India makes history
“India over the Moon,” headlines the Metro as it reports on the country becoming the first to land in the lunar south pole region. A picture of the live simulation of Chandrayaan-3’s lander on the Moon’s surface covers the front page. The paper writes the nation is only the fourth to land successfully on the Moon.
The Guardian’s front page looks at the number of MPs enough corporate giveaways such as tickets to concerts and sports events. Figures show senior Tory and Labour MPs have accepted free hospitality this summer worth more than £180,000.