The fate of Wagner Group hangs in the balance following the presumed death of its top field commander and chief, Yevgeny Prigozhin. Analysts suggest that Russian President Vladimir Putin will increasingly seek to bring the private military company under his control. The Kremlin is considering options such as absorbing Wagner into the Defense Ministry or its military intelligence arm, or installing a Russian general to lead the group. Despite the potential changes, experts argue that Russia is likely to allow Wagner to continue its operations, as the group's global network has become integral to Russian foreign policy. Putin may, however, seek to tighten collaboration and oversight with the Russian government and diversify the marketplace for mercenary companies in the long run. While the Kremlin has not made any final decisions, the intelligence picture is evolving. Prigozhin's presumed death has left Wagner officials and fighters upset, with some blaming the Kremlin for the plane crash. Russia is still investigating the crash, but the U.S. believes an internal explosion may have caused it.