US President Joe Biden responded to the recent plane crash involving Yevgeny Prigozhin, leader of a Russian mercenary group. He wasn't surprised, noting that little happens in Russia without Putin's involvement.

"But I’m not surprised," Biden said.

"There is not much that happens in Russia that Putin is not behind, but I don’t know enough to know the answer."

Analysts speculate this crash might be Putin's message to potential betrayers or support for the military, as Prigozhin challenged them in June.

Prigozhin was reportedly on the crashed private jet near Moscow. The White House confirmed Biden's briefing but lacked concrete details. Prigozhin, after a June mutiny, seemingly roamed freely in Russia despite an apparent deal.

Experts suggest Putin's involvement, aiming to show strength. Some say it reveals divisions in Russia's elite. The Kremlin hasn't commented.

Previously, the FBI offered a reward for Prigozhin's arrest over US election interference in 2016. Prigozhin admitted interference in 2022, pledging to continue.