Putin-Linked Businessman Says "We are Interfering" in US Elections

Russian businessman Yevgeny Prigozhin, an ally of President Vladimir Putin, said Monday that he had interfered in U.S. elections and would continue doing so in the future.

Key Quotes: "We interfered, we are interfering and we will interfere. Carefully, accurately, surgically and in our own way, as we know how to do," Prigozhin said in a statement published on social media. In response, White House Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre said that "It’s well documented and in the public domain that entities associated with Yevgeny Prigozhin have sought to influence elections around the world including the United States. It’s not surprising that Russia would be highlighting their attempted efforts and fabricating a story about their success on the eve of an election."

For Context: Prigozhin was among those indicted in 2018 at the conclusion of special counsel Robert Mueller's probe of Russian meddling in the 2016 U.S. elections. Prigozhin is sometimes referred to as "Putin's chef," and has emerged as a leading pro-war figure in Russia since the start of Putin’s invasion of Ukraine.

How the Media Covered It: Prigozhin's remarks were covered by sources across the political spectrum, with some left- and center-rated sources highlighting them prominently alongside 2022 midterm elections coverage.