The notorious Russian warlord Yevgeny Prigozhin has asked POLITICO for help in equipping his Wagner private army with Lockheed Martin F-35 fighter jets.
In a sarcastic voice message delivered in response to a request for comment, Prigozhin also sought assistance in obtaining U.S.-made sniper rifles, machine guns and grenade launchers.
“I ask you to talk to your contacts so that we can get these supplies,” said Prigozhin, whose mercenaries have fought at the forefront of Vladimir Putin’s war in Ukraine.
“I have one more request for you,” Prigozhin continued. “So: F-35s. If it’s possible, as we previously discussed, to buy up supplies via New Zealand. They may need to refuel in Hawaii, but I don’t really foresee a problem.”
Prigozhin’s statement appeared intended as a joke: It was delivered in a jovial, ironic tone that was in complete contrast to the furious, profanity-laden tirades he has unleashed at Russia’s top military brass over problems supplying his forces.
POLITICO reached out to Prigozhin as part of an investigation which found evidence that the maker of the Russian Orsis T-5000 rifle used by his men had acquired ammunition from an American company.
In an apparent denial, he answered that Wagner, which recently captured the town of Bakhmut after a bloody, months-long battle, had “a huge amount of NATO-issue ammunition left over from the Ukrainian army.”
‘I’m sure you know Viktor’
In the two-and-a-half minute recording posted on his Kepka Prigozhina Telegram channel, Prigozhin also offered an introduction to Viktor Bout, the Russian arms dealer freed last December by the U.S. in a prisoner swap for pro basketball player Brittney Greiner.
“I’m sure you know Viktor Bout well,” said Prigozhin. “I’ve already talked to him — he’s ready to handle all deliveries. But we’ll assume you are a party in this dialogue from the side of the United States of America.”
“So, I shake your hand, huge thanks for the questions, and I hope you respond to me. Obviously, about the deliveries of the F-35s, respond in a private message.”
And, in a parting shot, Prigozhin said: “Buddy, I completely forgot! If the deal goes through, my own Orsis [rifle] will be my personal gift to you.”
Additional reporting by Zoya Sheftalovich and Emma Krstic.
