Moscow - Molecular-genetic examinations have been completed as part of the investigation of the plane crash in the Tver region," stated Russia's Investigative Committee on the Telegram messaging app on Sunday. This announcement confirmed the identities of all 10 deceased individuals, including Yevgeny Prigozhin, the head of the Wagner mercenary group, who perished in the plane crash last week. The private jet had crashed in the Tver region northwest of Moscow on Wednesday, and authorities had previously released the names of all 10 individuals on board. Among them were Prigozhin and Dmitry Utkin, his associate who co-founded the Wagner group.

Speculation, especially circulating in pro-Wagner Telegram channels, had arisen concerning Prigozhin's presence on the ill-fated flight. Given Prigozhin's reputation for taking security precautions due to potential threats on his life, questions had emerged about whether he was indeed on the plane.

The crash took place exactly two months after Prigozhin and his Wagner mercenaries initiated a mutiny against Russian military commanders. During this mutiny, they seized control of the southern city of Rostov and advanced toward Moscow before retracing their steps 200 km (125 miles) from the capital.

Muscovites paid their respects to Prigozhin and Utkin by laying flowers at a makeshift shrine adorned with Russian flags and photographs near the Kremlin. Many individuals expressed admiration for Prigozhin's actions and considered him a wartime example.

The mutiny in June was criticized by President Vladimir Putin, who called it a treacherous "stab in the back." Despite this, Putin met with Prigozhin in the Kremlin, and he offered condolences to the crash victims' families. Suggestions by some Western politicians and commentators that Putin ordered Prigozhin's assassination in response to the mutiny were labeled as "an absolute lie" by Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov.

Wagner fighters, who played a significant role in the conflict in eastern Ukraine, have left Ukraine and relocated to Belarus under a deal that concluded their mutiny. While some might integrate into Russia's armed forces, many are likely to be dismayed by Prigozhin's sudden demise, as he held their loyalty. Putin's characterization of Prigozhin as a "talented businessman" with flaws and serious mistakes further complicates the narrative surrounding his legacy.