Preliminary intelligence suggests that an explosion on a plane likely brought down Russian mercenary leader Yevgeny Prigozhin, according to U.S. and other Western officials. While a definitive conclusion has not yet been reached, a blast is the leading theory for the cause of the crash. This explosion could have been caused by a bomb or other device planted on the aircraft. U.S. officials believe that President Vladimir Putin of Russia ordered the killing, as Prigozhin had led a mutiny in June that posed a significant challenge to Putin's rule. The officials also indicate that the Moscow high command may come under suspicion if it is determined that air defense units brought down the plane. However, some Russians argue that Kremlin advisors may have acted against Prigozhin without explicit orders from Putin, as it is a tradition among courtiers to do what the boss wants without asking him directly. The way that Putin's managerial style has evolved in recent years, with an increased perception of aloofness and detachment, makes this alternative theory more convincing. Further investigation is still underway to determine the exact cause of the crash.