Investigative journalist Christo Grozev, who has extensively studied the activities of Russian intelligence agencies, predicted the death of Priogzhin during the time of the rebellion: either Priogzhin would be dead within six months, or there would be a second coup attempt.
"A year ago, all the Wagner members were talking about the march on the Kremlin, expecting something from Prigozhin," Grozev reported.
When asked by the journalist from "Populyarnaya Politika" whether the criminal case opened regarding Prigozhin's uprising would conclude with his arrest or physical elimination, Hristo Grozev commented:
"I'm afraid that this is exactly what should be expected. Because he has real forces loyal to him, and as long as he's alive, they will remain loyal to him. If he's no longer alive, then it's possible – these are mercenaries after all – they might eventually decide that it's not in their interest to continue fighting for some abstract justice and return to their villages. But as long as he's alive, they will be very loyal to him. Therefore, for the FSB (Federal Security Service), he needs to be dead. That's my assessment."
