Russian businessmen have strongly criticized Putin's continued military invasion of Ukraine, and the next day, the administration said it was pressured to sell its stake in a major financial institution that it founded, according to an interview with American media. I made it.
It suggests that public opinion against the invasion is not widespread, or that the administration is nervous.
Oleg Tinkov, the founder of a major Russian private bank, posted on Instagram last month: "No one will benefit from this ridiculous war. Some fools write the letter" Z "in the symbol. But 90% of Russians are against war. "
And he said in English, "Dear Westerners, I want you to give me an exit to stop the slaughter while keeping Mr Putin's face."
Later, on the 28th of last month, a company led by a millionaire, who is said to be close to President Putin, announced that he had acquired a 35% stake in a group company of banks owned by Mr. Tinkoff.
The New York Times, a leading U.S. newspaper, posted an interview with Mr. Tinkoff on May 1, according to which Kremlin officials told bank executives on May 20, the day after the post was posted. "Your shareholders are not welcome. If the owner does not change, we will nationalize the bank."
"I can't believe Russia has a future," Tinkoff said, saying he was forced to sell at a price much lower than the valuation.
In Russia, some millionaires have criticized the military invasion, but the administration will swiftly take action against the explicit criticism and spread the opposition. It shows that he is nervous.