“Russia is clearly worried”: Exiled oligarch says Putin era nearing end

As Russia faces growing political tension and public unrest, one of the country’s most famous exiles believes change may be closer than many expect.

From his home abroad, a former billionaire turned Kremlin critic has given his stark assessment of Vladimir Putin’s future.

Accused of plotting revolt

Mikhail Khodorkovsky, once Russia’s richest man, has dismissed new accusations that he is involved in a plot to overthrow President Vladimir Putin.

The 62-year-old businessman spent a decade in a Siberian prison on what he says were politically driven charges.

Now, Russian authorities claim he and 22 others in exile have been recruiting people to create a “terrorist organisation” aimed at toppling the government.

Khodorkovsky denies the claims, calling them a reflection of “lies” born from insecurity inside the Kremlin.

Fear inside the kremlin

Speaking to The Times, Khodorkovsky said the allegations suggest a deeper anxiety within Putin’s inner circle about what comes after the president’s eventual departure.

“I don’t have any particular insider knowledge,” he said, “but [these charges suggest] that they are clearly worried about the transfer of power that will follow Putin exiting the stage.”

He noted that history offers clues to Russia’s future.

“For the past 80 years of Russian history, all the dictators left the stage between the ages of 70 and 80,” he said, adding, “Putin looks to be quite healthy. But he is 73, so that is potentially why he is starting to think about this.”

Uncertain succession

Under Russia’s constitution, Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin would become interim leader if Putin were to die or become incapacitated.

But the path to a permanent successor remains murky, with rival factions expected to compete fiercely for power.

Analysts fear a period of instability could follow Putin’s exit, as long-standing political networks and loyalties unravel.

Khodorkovsky believes that this could be a pivotal moment for Russia’s pro-democracy movement.

A fleeting opportunity

“A lot of people from Putin’s entourage will be looking for allies during this period, so it will open up a window of opportunity,” Khodorkovsky said.

“But if we miss this opportunity, there will be another period of regime consolidation, which will just become another circle in the spiral.”

His remarks come as anti-Putin sentiment grows at home.

Crowds have gathered in Russian cities, chanting anti-war slogans and calling for the president’s resignation.

At a recent protest in St Petersburg, demonstrators sang: “When the czar dies, we’ll dance again. The old man still clings to his throne, afraid to let go.”

This article is made and published by Kathrine Frich, which may have used AI in the preparation