Tell me what Russian source you have on that 39 figure? Please don’t joke around and say Prigozhin.
Putin breaks silence about ‘stepping up efforts’ in Ukraine https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-12231577/Putin-suffers-worst-daily-air-force-losses-war-Wagner-kills-39-pilots-crew.html?ito=native_share_article-nativemenubutton
Ten crew were on board, according to Russian Channel One correspondent Irina Kuksenkova.
It is likely a “high ranking general” and other top brass were on board, revealed the former Soviet military tactician and politician Viktor Alksnis, now an analyst known as the Black Colonel.
But he indicated the death toll was almost certainly higher, amid reports that the Russian state media has been ordered to obscure the true figure.
“I assume that the total number of cabin crew and task force on board the Il-22 ranged from 15 to 20 people. They all died,” he posted.
Putin also lost a regular Mi-8, a Ka-52 strike helicopter and an Mi-35.
“As a result of the destruction of five helicopters and one aircraft by the Wagner rebels between 34 to 39 people were killed,” estimated Alksnis.