George W. Bush Surprised To Discover Yevgeny Prigozhin Served Him Dinner
Bush Speaks at Yalta European Strategy Conference
Overt Operator
September 13, 2023
Former U.S. President George W. Bush speaks at the Yalta European Strategy conference, seen here in a screen capture of the webcast event.
Former President George W. Bush expressed his shock on Sunday, September 10, upon learning that Yevgeny Prigozhin, the late founder of the Wagner Group, had served him dinner more than 17 years ago.
This revelation came during Bush's virtual appearance at the Yalta European Strategy Conference in Kyiv.
When asked about his reaction to Prigozhin's death in a plane crash, Bush replied:
"No, what's shocking to me is I saw a picture the other day of a G8 summit in St. Petersburg, where he was the guy serving me the food."
He further mentioned that Prigozhin, also known as "Putin's chef," was seen in the photo alongside other world leaders.
Although Bush couldn't recall meeting Prigozhin personally, he joked about the encounter, saying:
"All I know is I survived."
Subsequently, he was asked about the potential consequences for Russian leader Vladimir Putin if the Ukraine war does not end in Moscow's favor. Bush emphasized that it is up to the Russian people to decide their leader's fate.
A photograph taken on July 14, 2006, captures the moment Bush and his wife, Laura Bush, encountered Prigozhin during a meal with Putin. Prigozhin appeared to be presenting or serving Bush with a drink. The gathering took place at the Constantine Palace during the 32nd G8 Summit in St. Petersburg, where Russia hosted a G8 meeting for the first time.
During that period, the United States and Russia were engaged in discussions regarding increased trade and the possibility of Russia joining the World Trade Organization. Prigozhin earned the moniker "Putin's chef" because his catering company served the Russian leader.
The news of Prigozhin's involvement in serving Bush adds an intriguing twist to the infamous figure's legacy. Known for his close ties to Putin and his role in the Wagner Group, a private military company, Prigozhin has been linked to various controversial activities. These include alleged interference in the 2016 US presidential election, organizing mercenary operations in Africa, and supporting pro-Russian separatists in Ukraine.
As news of Prigozhin's connection to Bush spreads, it raises questions about the extent of his influence and reach. The image of Prigozhin serving dinner to a world leader sheds light on the complex and interconnected relationships between individuals in positions of power.
The revelation also serves as a stark reminder that encounters with those who later become infamous figures can occur without one's knowledge. Bush's surprise at seeing Prigozhin in the photograph emphasizes the unpredictability and multifaceted nature of politics and international relations.
While Bush may not remember the encounter, the photograph immortalizes the moment when two individuals, unknowingly destined for divergent paths, shared a meal. It is a testament to the surreal and unexpected twists that life can take, even for those in the highest echelons of power.