Quote:
Originally Posted by Street Pharmacist
The Oligarchs owe Putin, not the other way around. He orders them around, not the other way around. These people got their money because Putin chose them and allowed them to enrich themselves. Sure they may flee or turn if they think their fortunes are at risk, but I wouldn't bet on it. They were chosen by him for their loyalty
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Yeah, that was one of Putin's earliest moves to consolidate power: he demanded total loyalty from the oligarchs who emerged from the 90s or they would wind up dead or jailed. Khodorkovsky was the most prominent oligarch (and richest) and served as an example of where the real power in Russia lay.