Who are Russian oligarchs and what do they do?
Russian oligarchs are business oligarchs of the former Soviet republics who rapidly accumulated wealth during the era of Russian privatization in the aftermath of the dissolution of the Soviet Union in the 1990s. The failing Soviet state left the ownership of state assets contested, which allowed for informal deals…
What role did the oligarchs play in the Yeltsin presidency?
During Yeltsin’s presidency (1991–1999) oligarchs became increasingly influential in Russian politics; they played a significant role in financing the re-election of Yeltsin in 1996. With insider information about financial decisions of the government, oligarchs could easily increase their wealth even further.
Why is Oleg Deripaska called the Hermit of Siberia?
He is known as the “hermit of Siberia” because, unlike many Russian billionaires, he does not live in Moscow, but has stayed close to his Siberian oil fields. Mr. Deripaska controls Basic Element, which in turn owns more than 100 Russian and international companies.
Why has the oligarch refused to accept the divorce court ruling?
The oligarch has so far refused to accept the divorce court ruling because he insists that the British courts have no jurisdiction over a marriage between Russians.
Did the Kremlin purge Khodorkovsky and Berezovsky?
The Guardian reported in 2008 that Khodorkovsky, Berezovsky and Gusinsky “have been purged by the Kremlin”.
How did Russia’s voucher-privatization program help young men become billionaires?
The so-called voucher-privatization program of 1992–1994 enabled a handful of young men to become billionaires, specifically by arbitraging the vast difference between old domestic prices for Russian commodities (such as natural gas and oil) and the prices prevailing on the world market.