The former Russian oligarch in exile, Mikhail Khodorkovsky, once the richest man in Russia, who served 10 years in a Siberian prison on politically motivated charges, has stated for The Times, that the end might be near for Vladimir Putin.
“Putin seems to be quite healthy. But in the last 80 years of Russia’s history, all dictators have left the scene between the ages of 70 and 80,” said Mikhail Khodorkovsky.
He denied supporting Ukrainian paramilitary units and assisting in recruiting people in Russia to overthrow the government. Moreover, he believes these are an indication of the concern felt in the Kremlin about what will happen once Putin relinquishes power, willingly or unwillingly. The statements come amid fears of war between Russia and the USA, while Donald Trump warned Putin about a “vicious and destructive” weapon ready to strike Russia.
Khodorkovsky told The Times: “I have no privileged knowledge, but [these accusations suggest] they are clearly worried about the transfer of power that will follow Putin’s departure from the scene. Putin seems to be quite healthy. But in the last 80 years of Russia’s history, all dictators have left the scene between the ages of 70 and 80,” said the former oligarch.
How the succession of power is expected to unfold
The Russian leader rarely shares his thoughts on how his term in power might end, but he has admitted in the past that he often thinks about who his successor might be.
“Putin is 73 years old, so this is probably why he is starting to think about it,” Khodorkovsky added.
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