When it comes to putin likely to stage another salisbury-style attack, exiled oil tycoon says, exiled Russian billionaire Mikhail Khodorkovsky has issued a stark warning that President Vladimir Putin may orchestrate another attack similar to the 2018 Salisbury poisonings on British soil. Speaking in an extensive interview with the Guardian, Khodorkovsky, a prominent figure in the Russian opposition, emphasized the need for the UK government to adopt more aggressive tactics against the Kremlin to deter such threats.
Understanding Putin Likely To Stage Another Salisbury-style Attack, Exiled Oil Tycoon Says
Khodorkovsky, who has lived in exile since his release from a Siberian prison where he spent ten years following political clashes with Putin, believes the Russian leader's aggression is escalating. He pointed out that the Trump presidency offered Putin a "window of opportunity" to exert pressure on Europe, particularly the UK. "Putin has chosen as his main enemy the UK," Khodorkovsky stated, highlighting a shift in the Kremlin's focus towards Britain. Originally reported by The Guardian.
He noted that there are indications that Russian security services are planning operations reminiscent of the Salisbury incident, where former double agent Sergei Skripal and his daughter were poisoned using a military-grade nerve agent. "The goal [..] would not just be to get rid of certain people but to create a sense of vulnerability in the west," Khodorkovsky explained. He warned that even the survival of the targeted individuals may not be the primary concern for Russia; instead, the aim is to instill fear and uncertainty.
Recommendations for the UK Government
Khodorkovsky suggested that the best approach for the UK government to prevent further incidents would be to go on the offensive against Russian intelligence agencies. Drawing parallels to historical events, he said, "If you cast your mind back to the 1950s and 60s when there was also quite a wave of this sort of brutal interactions, it sort of dissipated quite quickly, which was done by just giving the mirror response." He believes that an aggressive counter-strategy could deter Russian operatives who might otherwise feel emboldened.
"People who work for the intelligence services are just like you and I, they don't want to die," he added, suggesting that a strong response could compel some operatives to abandon their roles within the Russian security apparatus.
Rising Tensions and Military Posturing
As tensions between Russia and the West continue to simmer, Khodorkovsky expressed concerns that Putin might escalate military posturing by amassing troops near NATO member states, such as Estonia. "I wouldn't be surprised if in the near future we'll see some troops amassed on the border with [NATO member] Estonia, for example," he remarked. However, he also noted that while Putin may not be ready to engage in full-scale military conflict, such maneuvers will undoubtedly have significant implications.
According to Khodorkovsky, the ongoing geopolitical situation poses a risk of escalating into a "hot war," and Western governments must prioritize strategies that avoid such outcomes. He expressed skepticism regarding the effectiveness of sanctions, stating that they have not significantly weakened Putin's position. "Politicians want to impress their electorate with sanctions against goods and trade, but in practice these were 'unrealistic' to enforce," he said.
The Misconceptions About Oligarchs
In his critique of Western strategies, Khodorkovsky underscored a fundamental misunderstanding about the nature of oligarchy in Russia. He asserted, "I have been saying for the past 20 years that there are no oligarchs in Russia. How can you reconcile oligarchy with dictatorship? If you have money without any weapons, you are just food for somebody else." He acknowledged, however, that some oligarchs have served as "agents of influence" for Russia abroad, and sanctions have diminished their power.
One notable figure in this context is Roman Abramovich, the former owner of Chelsea Football Club, with whom Khodorkovsky had previously collaborated on plans to create Russia's largest oil company. The ongoing political and economic landscape in Russia is shifting, and Khodorkovsky's insights reflect the complexities of the relationships between the Kremlin, oligarchs, and Western powers.
As the situation develops, the international community watches closely for signs of further aggression from Russia. Khodorkovsky's warnings underscore the need for vigilance and proactive measures to counter potential threats posed by an increasingly assertive Kremlin.
Originally reported by The Guardian. View original.