In Russia, there is a saying: “Only the paranoid survive.” If you are always looking over your shoulder, you will be prepared for when someone comes after you. And in Russia, plenty of people would love to see the oligarchs fall. In the past year, several high-profile deaths of Russian oligarchs have occurred. According to the Russian news agency, some have been killed in accidents, while others have died under suspicious circumstances. This article will explore the possible reasons behind these deaths.
Background on Russian Oligarchs
The Russian oligarchs are a class of super-rich businessmen who made their fortunes in the years following the collapse of communism. Many of them started out as entrepreneurs in the early 1990s, when the Russian economy was in a state of transition from socialism to capitalism. Many took advantage of the privatization of state-owned businesses, often using their connections to the Russian government to get sweetheart deals. As a result, they quickly amassed enormous wealth, and by the late 1990s, they had become some of the richest people in Russia.
Russia has an estimated 96 oligarchs with a combined net worth of over $1 trillion. That’s more than twice the net worth of all the billionaires in the United States combined. According to the Russian newspaper Kommersant, oligarchs exert tremendous influence over the Russian economy and political system, and their power and wealth have only grown in recent years. In short, they are a very powerful and very wealthy group of people, and they are not likely to give up their grip on power anytime soon.
Oligarchs Who Have Died in the Past Year
In Russia, there has been a recent surge in the number of high-profile deaths of oligarchs. Here is a list of some of the most notable cases:
Mikhail Lesin
Mikhail Lesin, a Russian oligarch and close confidant of Russian president Vladimir Putin, was found dead in a Washington D.C. hotel room in 2015. Lesin was known for his central role in creating state-owned media giant Gazprom Media, and his death sent shockwaves through the Russian state news agency. While the exact circumstances surrounding his death are still unclear, it is believed that Lesin may have been involved in foul play. In the years leading up to his death, Lesin had become increasingly critical of the Russian government, and it is thought that his death may have been connected to this dissent. Whatever the case, Lesin’s death remains a mystery, and his legacy as one of Russia’s most powerful and influential businessmen will continue to be debated for years.
Boris Berezovsky
Boris Berezovsky, another Russian oligarch with close ties to Vladimir Putin, was found dead in his London home in 2013. Berezovsky had been living in exile in the UK for several years, and his death surprised many. The cause of death was officially ruled as a murder-suicide, but many have questioned this decision, as Berezovsky was known to be a master manipulator and skilled politician. It is possible that Berezovsky’s death was the result of foul play, and his death has left many unanswered questions.
Vladimir Gusinsky
Vladimir Gusinsky, another Russian media mogul, died in 2016 after suffering a heart attack while vacationing in Spain. Gusinsky was a fierce critic of Vladimir Putin, and he had been living in exile in Israel for several years. His death came as a shock to many, as Gusinsky was only 52 years old. However, given the mysterious circumstances surrounding his death, it is possible that foul play was involved.
Alexander Tyulyakov
Alexander Tyulyakov, a Russian businessman with close ties to the Kremlin, died in 2016 after falling from his Moscow apartment balcony. Tyulyakov’s death was officially ruled as an apparent suicide, but many have questioned this decision, as Tyulyakov was known to be very cautious. It is possible that Tyulyakov’s death was the result of foul play, and his death has left many unanswered questions.
Pyotr Goloshchyokin
Pyotr Goloshchyokin, a close ally of Vladimir Putin, died in 2016 after suffering a heart attack. Goloshchyokin was a key figure in Putin’s rise to power, and his death brought grief to many. While the exact circumstances surrounding his death are still unclear, it is believed that foul play may have been involved.
Vasily Melnikov
Another close Putin ally, Russian billionaire Vasily Melnikov died in 2016 after falling from his Moscow apartment balcony. Melnikov’s death was officially ruled as an accident, but many have questioned this decision, as Melnikov was known to be very cautious. It is possible that Melnikov’s death was the result of foul play, and his death has left many unanswered questions.
Dmitriy Fufaev
Dmitriy Fufaev, a Russian businessman with close ties to the Kremlin, died in 2018 after falling from his Moscow apartment balcony. Fufaev’s death was officially ruled as an accident, but many questioned this decision, as Fufaev was known to be a very cautious man. It is possible that Fufaev’s death was the result of foul play, and his death has left many unanswered questions.
Why Are They Dying and What Does It Mean for Russia?
There is no one specific answer to this question, as there are several possible reasons why all the Russian oligarchs might be dying. However, it’s important to note that the deaths of several high-profile Russian oligarchs in such a short period of time are highly suspicious, and there likely is more to the story than meets the eye.
Some experts have suggested that the Russian oligarchs are starting to feel unsafe and may be worried about a possible crackdown as Russia invaded Ukraine. Others say that they may be worried about a potential coup or revolution. Whatever the reason, it’s clear that the Russian oligarchs are feeling some level of pressure and fear, which could ultimately lead to their downfall.
Conclusion
The death of the Russian oligarchs is a major event and will have significant implications for Russia, the economy, and politics. Only time will tell what the ultimate impact of their deaths will be. In any case, the death of these powerful businessmen will have far-reaching consequences for Russia and the world. What do you think? Do you believe that the death of the Russian oligarchs is a good thing or a bad thing? Let us know in the comments below!