As of: March 23, 2024, 7:05 a.m
By: Bona Hyun
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Putin could target the Siloviki for financial aid - in preparation for a NATO conflict.
But that could jeopardize his relationship with the elite.
Moscow – The Russian economy is suffering under the leadership of President Vladimir Putin and sanctions from the West.
As international donors increasingly withdraw their support, Putin is looking for additional sources of financing.
These are intended to cover the high military expenditure and enable preparation for a potential conflict with NATO.
For a stable Russian economy: Putin could target Russian billionaires
According to an analysis by the Institute for the Study of War (ISW), Putin may be targeting the so-called siloviki for financial support.
This group consists of Russian military and intelligence officials who gained economic or political power during the administrations of Putin or Boris Yeltsin.
ISW analysts suggest that Putin could take measures to ensure Russia's long-term financial stability that could affect the elite group.
It is possible that Putin could “impose some pain” on the wealthy siloviki.
Putin apparently wants to target Russian billionaires in order to prepare for a conflict with NATO.
© Mikhail Metzel/dpa
According to The Conversation, the siloviki include, among others, former KGB and current FSB intelligence officers.
Igor Sechin, chairman of oil giant Rosneft and considered the second most powerful person in Russia, is considered the unofficial leader of the siloviki.
Some members of the Russian business elite expressed concerns about the war in Ukraine and feared its impact on the Russian economy and society.
But as
The Guardian
reports, many have now come to terms with the war.
Putin probably turns to Siloviki – preparation for conflict with NATO?
According to ISW, Putin's efforts to stabilize the Russian economy and its financing suggest that he is preparing for a long war in Ukraine and "future large-scale conflict with NATO."
For these preparations, Putin could even risk his previously close relationship with the Russian elite.
Putin has already criticized the elite group in Russia.
In his speech to the Federal Assembly on February 29, he appeared to distance himself from the group and sympathize with military veterans.
Those who “filled their pockets due to the economic processes in the 1990s” are not the elite, the ISW quoted Putin as saying.
The “real elite” are workers and military men who have proven their loyalty to Russia.
Putin is looking for sources of money for the economy - and is threatening NATO
Recently, Putin has increasingly threatened the West and NATO.
Should there be a direct conflict between Russia and NATO, the world would be “only one step away” from a third world war, Putin declared in Moscow about his “victory” in the presidential election, which is actually not a presidential election.
“I believe anything is possible in today’s world,” the Kremlin chief replied when asked about the likelihood of a direct conflict between Russia and NATO, Ukrainska Pravda reported.
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However, Putin seems unlikely to follow through on his threats.
As things stand, Russia would be inferior to the West in many respects.
Putin's war chest is shrinking as allies turn their backs on him and important sources of income disappear.
In addition, Western sanctions are weighing on the Russian economy, which is reflected in stubborn inflation and a shortage of skilled workers.
Despite the economic situation, Putin plans to continue his “war economy” this year - the people of Russia will have to bear the consequences.
The editor wrote this article and then used an AI language model for optimization at his own discretion. All information has been carefully checked.
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