Russian Billionaires Also Oppose the "Ukraine Invasion"

Oleg Deripaska (left) and Mikhail Fridman / EPA Yonhap News Photo

[Asia Economy Reporter Cho Hyun-ui] Two Russian billionaires have voiced opposition to Russia's invasion of Ukraine. They are the first among Russian businessmen to take such a stance.

The Guardian reported on the 27th (local time) that "Mikhail Fridman, founder of Russia's largest private bank Alfa-Bank, said in a letter to employees that 'the bloodshed must stop.'"

Fridman, who was born in Ukraine, said, "War can never be the answer," adding, "This conflict is a tragedy for both Russia and Ukraine."

Oleg Deripaska, founder of Russian aluminum giant Rusal, also urged through Telegram that "peace is very important" and called for peace talks between Moscow and Kyiv to begin as soon as possible.

Deripaska has been on the U.S. sanctions list since 2018 due to alleged ties with the Russian government.

The Guardian explained, "Most oligarchs remain silent, but Fridman and Deripaska have called for an end to the invasion of Ukraine."

As the U.S., European Union, United Kingdom, Japan, and Australia have announced sanctions against Russia, the number of voices like these may increase.

The Guardian stated, "With major countries beginning to impose strong sanctions on the Russian economy, such as exclusion from SWIFT, even the wealthiest will experience severe economic upheaval."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.