Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko stated Friday that he does not believe his Russian counterpart, Vladimir Putin, could be responsible for the recent plane crash that claimed the life of Yevgeny Prigozhin, the head of Wagner Group.

Lukashenko emphasized Putin's cautious and deliberate nature in decision-making, suggesting it would be out of character for him to be involved in such a situation.

During a press conference in the Belarusian capital, Minsk, Lukashenko noted that Prigozhin had never requested "security guarantees" from him, clarifying that he never engaged in discussions about ensuring Prigozhin's safety.

Lukashenko underlined his commitment to having Wagner Group operate within Belarus, asserting that despite any opposition, the group would continue its presence in the country.

Also Read: According to Russia's civil aviation authority, the head of the Wagner Group Yevgeny Prigozhin was among the passengers listed on a jet that tragically crashed, resulting in the loss of all lives on board.

He revealed that he and Prigozhin had established a framework for Wagner's operations in Belarus, indicating their intention to maintain this collaboration as long as it remains necessary.

Confirming that Prigozhin was aboard the private jet that crashed in the Tver region, Lukashenko shared that discussions with Prigozhin never extended to matters of personal security.

President Putin conveyed his condolences to the victims' families on the following day, describing Prigozhin as a "talented individual" with a "challenging destiny." He assured a comprehensive investigation into the crash's causes would be carried out by Moscow.

Wednesday, the head of the Wagner Group Yevgeny Prigozhin was among the passengers listed on a jet that tragically crashed, resulting in the loss of all lives on board.