Russian businessmen do not yet give assessments of the situation around the military operation in Ukraine, as well as the consequences for the Russian and world economy. RBC cites the opinion of the richest businessmen who have already commented on the events
Mikhail Fridman, co-owner of LetterOne investment company and Alfa Group (state, according to evaluation Russian Forbes, at the end of 2021 – $15.5 billion; current estimate assets Forbes Real-Time as of February 28 – $ 11.7 billion): “I do not make political statements, I am a businessman and I am responsible to thousands of employees in Russia and Ukraine. But I am sure that war can never be the solution. The current crisis will cost [множества] lives and will harm both peoples who have been brothers for hundreds of years. <...> I am deeply attached to Ukrainians and Russians, and, in my opinion, the current conflict is a tragedy for both peoples. I can only join those who fervently desire an end to the bloodshed. I am sure that my business partners share my opinion” (text from a businessman’s address to LetterOne’s London office staff).
Oleg Tinkov, founder of Tinkoff Bank (status at the end of 2021 – $ 4.7 billion, according to Forbes Real-Time – $ 1.8 billion): “I myself, twice almost being on the other side of life in the last two years, was convinced how fragile life is! And she is our only one! Now in Ukraine, innocent people are dying every day, this is unthinkable and unacceptable! States should spend money on treating people, on research to defeat cancer, and not on war. We are against this war!” (text from the address of a businessman in Instagram).
Oleg Deripaska, founder of En+ (net worth at the end of 2021 – $ 3.8 billion; according to Forbes Real-Time – $ 4 billion): “The world is very important! Negotiations need to start as soon as possible!” (statement businessman in the Telegram channel).
Alexander Tynkovan (status at the end of 2021 – $ 850 million), founder of the M.Video network: “But still, the Nobel Prize is not given in vain. And it is necessary to draw a line between the Russian authorities and the Russian people” (further on, the businessman in his Facebook post cites the text from the speech of the Nobel laureate Dmitry Muratov).
Igor Rybakovco-owner of the TechnoNIKOL group (state finally 2021 — $2 billion; Forbes Real Time — $2.3 billion): “Yesterday it seemed to me that it would be tough political fuss, pressure, etc., but today I understand that the point of no return has been passed and this will be a big story that will touch the lives of millions of people. It is sad” (statement businessman on YouTube channel).