Join Olga and Mo as they explore the intricate world of Russian oligarchs, known as Kremligarchs, with special guest Ilya Zaslavskiy. Together, they delve into the influential role these figures play as the Kremlin's frontmen, shaping global affairs and executing operations worldwide on behalf of the Kremlin. The episode analyzes recent sanctions imposed by the United States and Europe against Russia and discusses potential targets for further measures.
From Abramovich to Blavatnik, the hosts examine key Kremligarchs and their multifaceted activities, shedding light on their functions within the Kremlin and their global operations. They also dissect the sophisticated tactics used by these Kremligarchs to whitewash their reputation amidst heightened scrutiny.
Tune in to uncover the secrets of Russia's shadowy power players and their impact on global politics in this revealing episode. This is Part 1 of a two-part episode!
You can listen to our discussion with Ilya Zaslavskiy here or from your preferred podcast platform.
Ilya Zaslavskiy
Ilya Zaslavskiy is a specialist in due diligence, sanctions, kleptocracy, energy regulation, and political risks. His expertise includes anti-corruption and policy reform in the mineral extraction sector, corporate governance and climate change issues, and advocacy for effective policies countering post-Soviet kleptocracy, especially Kremlin-connected oligarchs and entities. In prior roles, Zaslavskiy was a senior program manager at the Center for International Private Enterprise (CIPE), head of research at DC-based Free Russia Foundation, a fellow at Chatham House and Legatum Institute, and collaborated with the Atlantic Council, Hudson Institute, Martens Centre, and other leading think tanks. He also worked on climate change issues at a Danish company RCF and in the gas business stream at TNK-BP in Moscow before 2010. Zaslavskiy holds a BA degree in Modern History (First Class), an MPhil in International Relations from the University of Oxford, and an Executive Master of Management in Energy from BI Norwegian Business School. Ilya also runs underminers.info where you will find a lot of his reports.
Bibliography
Report: Which Kremligarchs Should Be Sanctioned by the Biden Administration? Via Underminers
Report: Hybrid Analytica: Pro-Kremlin Expert Propaganda in Moscow, Europe and the U.S. Via Underminers
CFR accepts $12 mln from Len Blavatnik against a backlash from 56 activists and foreign policy professionals. Via Underminers
Why comrade Sir Leonid (Len) Blavatnik is a Putin oligarch and why Hudson Institute, Harvard, Oxford, and other entities should not accept his tainted money? Via Underminers
Report: How to Select Russian Oligarchs for New Sanctions? Via Underminers
We’re always happy to receive your questions and comments about the episode or your suggestions for future guests and content. Feel free to write to us on Substack, our socials, or at monique.camarra@gmail.com.
Hop over to Kremlin File’s latest video content on YouTube. We’ll include clips from the interviews and new content on current affairs. Our newest project is Kremlin File Week in Review: every Saturday we’ll be talking about the news we’ve been following and about stories you may have missed.