The Kremlin commander who orchestrated the Salisbury poisoning “played a role in the assassination of Yevgeny Prigozhin,” British spies believe
- Major General Andrey Averyanov is said to have long harbored a grudge against the Wagner boss
The Kremlin commander who orchestrated the Salisbury poisoning was implicated in the assassination of Yevgeny Prigozhin, according to British intelligence officials.
Major General Andrey Averyanov is said to have harbored a long-held grudge against the former Wagner mercenary boss.
Averyanov, who was responsible for the spies sent to the UK to kill double agent Sergei Skripal in 2018, is set to take over the North African portion of the force.
A British intelligence source told the newspaper i: “Many, including myself, thought it was his case.” [Prigozhin’s] days were numbered. There is much debate about the name mentioned [Averyanov].’
Major General Andrey Averyanov is said to have harbored a long-held grudge against the former Wagner mercenary chief
Averyanov heads a covert operations unit that conducts overseas operations, such as the attempted murder of Mr. Skripal and his daughter Julia.
Last month he was seen introducing himself to African leaders at a summit in St. Petersburg, prompting rumors that Vladimir Putin would appoint him to head Wagner’s activities in Africa.
Channels linked to Wagner on the social media site Telegram said the meetings were part of a Kremlin “smothering operation” to oust Prigozhin.