Russian Businessman Confesses Country’s Involvement in US Midterm Elections

Pictured above, Russian businessman Yevgeny Prigozhin with Russian President Vladimir Putin. Source: AP Photo/ Misha Japardize

Russian businessman Yevgeny Prigozhin, a close ally of Russian President Vladimir Putin, seemingly admitted to interfering in the US midterm elections.     

Speaking to a Telegram post, Prigozhin stated, “We have interfered (in US elections), we are interfering and we will continue to interfere. Carefully, accurately, surgically and in our own way, as we know how to do.”

Prigozhin, who has been commonly referred to as “Chef” by Putin, is one of his more trusted associates. This appears to be the first time a prominent Russian official has openly acknowledged Russian involvement in US elections. 

This is not the first time Russia has been accused of tampering with US politics. During the aftermath of 2016 presidential elections, Russia was accused of helping republican presidential nominee Donald Trump win the election. While Russia has continuously denied this claim, Prigozhin appears to confirm these accusations.  

The US midterm elections were held on Tuesday, Nov. 8, 2022, with both Democrats and Republicans competing to take control of congress. Prigozhin’s alleged confession, which coincides during this period, has become a critical concern within and outside of the US. 

Some in the Republican party have vocalized their disapproval regarding US aid being provided to Ukraine. At a Trump rally in Iowa, Georgia representative Marjorie Taylor Greene announced, “Under Republicans, not another penny will go to Ukraine. Our country comes first.” 

Last week, private researchers attested that Russian operatives were using far-right media accounts to attack democratic candidates in Georgia, New York, Ohio, and Pennsylvania. After the GOP's stance on Ukrainian aid, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky expressed his concern in regards to the GOP potentially securing Congress. 

The new populist wing of the GOP has gained significant popularity over the past six years. Unlike their predecessors, these new Republicans have expressed skepticism and even hostility for U.S. aid to Ukraine as the nation continues it's fight against Russia’s invasion.

A victory for Republicans in either house of Congress, particularly if hard-line members of the party are given pertinent committee assignments, would likely benefit Russia, who has been at war with Ukraine for the past 9 months. President Trump often boasted of his close relations with Russia and President Putin, in contrast to President Biden, whose comments and actions have sparked ire by the Russian Government.

Prigozhin’s comments add to the overwhelming evidence suggesting that Trump’s presidency was supported, at least in part, by the Russian Government. 

Just last month, Russian analyst Igor Danchenko was found not guilty of lying to the FBI about Trump conspiring with Russia to win the elections. Danchenko had previously collaborated with the FBI in investigating the Trump-Russia scandal. His claims were later questioned, and he was charged with providing false information.

Donald Trump and Hillary Clinton during the town hall presidential debate at Washington University in 2016. Source: CNBC.

In 2019, the Mueller report was published which highlighted Russia’s involvement in the Trump campaign. This included social media slander against presidential nominee Hillary Clinton, social media support in favor of Trump, hacking election databases in various states, and accessing and releasing private information. 

Since the beginning of the Russian invasion of Ukraine, relations between the US and Russia have been incredibly tense. The US enforced sanctions on Russia and have repeatedly condemned Russia’s act of terror against Ukraine. Previously, Putin warned the countries not to interfere in the war, which caused further rifts between the two countries. 

Prigozhin, whose comments have not yet been verified, has had a controversial relationship with the US. He was indicted in 2018 for his involvement in a troll factory that encouraged Russian activity in the 2016 elections.In 2021, the US imposed sanctions on Prigozhin and he was put on FBI’s most-wanted list for spreading misinformation in elections in Africa, Asia, and Europe. 

Despite Prigozhin’s statements,Russia is set to resume nuclear talks with the US after months of refusing to do so.