麻豆社

Russia's super-rich once ruled the country, holding deep influence over the country's politicians in the years immediately after the collapse of the Soviet Union.

They then gradually saw their power decline under the rise of Vladimir Putin, but could they - and would they - ever seek to restore their political influence?

Russia Editor at 麻豆社 Monitoring, Vitaly Shevchenko, traces the origin story of Russia鈥檚 oligarchs and why the party is now over for Russia鈥檚 wealthiest men. From the chaotic post-Soviet days of the 1990s when they amassed vast fortunes and wielded immense power to today where their number has reached an all-time high - while their political influence has virtually disappeared.

Vitaly asks what, if anything, might lead them to restore their political clout?

If four and a half years of sanctions fuelled by Russia鈥檚 full-scale invasion of Ukraine can鈥檛 convince them, then what does that say about their relationship with President Putin today?