There are three classes of Russian elite, said Chris Miller, Director of the Eurasia program at the Foreign Policy Research Institute.
First there are folks who made their money in business and had to cut deals with Putin and his predecessors to keep hold of their assets. They’re the most well-known oligarchs, he said. They include Mikhail Fridman, the cofounder of Alfa Group, a Russian conglomerate. He was on Monday’s EU blacklist.
Then there are a small number of elite who acquired fortunes simply because they’ve been given stakes in companies — “judo sparring partners from the 90s who are now billionaires,” Miller said.
Finally, there are the men who have control over real economic assets. This category includes the CEOs Sechin and Tokarev. “They actually have political influence; their careers and networks extend beyond their relationship with Putin,” Miller said.
Join the conversation as a VIP Member