The Latest Breaking News from Vladimir Putin

Over the years, Kremlin political critics, turncoat spies and journalists have been killed in a variety of ways

Options for the mercenary group – in the wake of Yevgeny Prigozhin’s reported demise – include complete dissolution, nationalisation into the conventional Russian army or finding a new leader. Russian President Vladimir Putin is set to hold the key to the future

Vladimir Putin has leant on military contractors to claim victories in Ukraine but his former friend’s attempted mutiny and threats against Russia’s defence establishment have exposed cracks in the president’s authority

Flight recorders also recovered, Russian officials say; Alexander Lukashenko says he warned Wagner bosses to be aware of threats to their lives

Former convict, catering impresario and ally of Vladimir Putin became increasingly vocal critic of Kremlin’s defence chiefs during war in Ukraine

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

In today’s newsletter: Yevgeny Prigozhin is almost certainly dead – but, with the current state of chaos in Russia, could his plane crash be a smokescreen?

As Belarusian president claims he told Wagner chief and his ally Utkin: ‘Lads – you watch out’

Russian investigators said Friday they had recovered flight recorders and 10 bodies from the scene of the plane crash presumed to have killed Wagner chief Yevgeny Prigozhin two days ago. Earlier Friday, a Kremlin spokesperson said "speculation" the crash had been ordered by the government was an “absolute lie”. Follow…

An official says reporters indicate Yevgeny Prigozhin was ‘very likely’ targeted and that the explosion falls in line with Vladimir Putin’s ‘long history of trying to silence his critics.’

As the war enters its 548th day, these are the main developments.