Death of Prigozhin another example why Putin cannot be trusted in any matter - ambassador

RIGA - The death of Yevgeny Prigozhin, the leader of the Russian mercenary group Wagner, is another example of the fact that Russian President Vladimir Putin cannot be trusted in any matter, Latvian Ambassador to Ukraine Ilgvars Klava said in an interview with Latvian Radio on Thursday.

There is currently a lot of speculation about what happened, said Klava. However, judging from information available from different sources, one can come to the conclusion that what happened is another example why Putin should not be trusted in any matter.

Ukraine has consolidated as a country and a nation during the war, said the ambassador. No major events are planned in Ukraine during the Independence Day of Ukraine on August 24, on the contrary, residents are advised to avoid large gatherings, said Klava.

Commenting on arms supplies to Ukraine, Klava said there were different opinions, including that the West was providing enough weapons for Ukraine to defend itself, but not to successfully attack and defeat Russia. Regardless, the Ukrainians are very grateful for weapons that have been delivered to Ukraine so far.

The ambassador predicts that the next parliamentary and presidential elections in Ukraine will likely be postponed because, according to the country's constitution, they cannot be held during wartime.

AFP reports that the head of the Wagner mercenary group, which in June attempted to topple Russia's military leadership, was on board a plane that crashed on Wednesday.

The crash comes two months after Yevgeny Prigozhin launched a short-lived rebellion - seen as the biggest challenge to Russian President Vladimir Putin's authority since he came to power.

Since then uncertainty has surrounded the fate of Wagner and its controversial chief.

Russia's ministry for emergency situations on Wednesday announced the crash of a private plane travelling between Moscow and Saint Petersburg.

According to preliminary information, all 10 people on board died, including three crew members, the ministry said.

Russia's aviation agency later said the Wagner chief was on board.