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The war in Ukraine has brought new focus to Russia’s wealthy elite, the oligarchs, and their lives of extreme luxury. Known for their mega-yachts, palatial homes, and even football club ownership, Russia’s wealthiest have found themselves at the center of a global reckoning. In a world of caviar, champagne, and billion-dollar estates, their fortunes are now under threat from Western sanctions, aimed at hitting Vladimir Putin where it hurts. This documentary examines how Putin, often rumored to be the richest man in the world, has not only grown his wealth but also solidified power by controlling and intimidating Russia’s most powerful businessmen. Through financial crackdowns, televised arrests, and threats of exile, Putin reined in the oligarchs who once thought they could influence him. From his humble-sounding salary as president to owning hidden mega-assets, Putin’s wealth is shrouded in secrecy and enforced loyalty. Meet figures like Roman Abramovich, who parlayed early business ventures into becoming one of Russia’s most prominent oligarchs and who famously bought the Chelsea Football Club. Explore how the collapse of the Soviet Union sparked a chaotic grab for wealth, transforming a select few into billionaires overnight while ordinary Russians suffered from poverty and economic turmoil. But Putin’s influence isn’t limited to Russia. Some of his closest allies, like Yevgeny Prigozhin, have been accused of attempting to destabilize foreign politics, from social media interference in the U.S. to military influence through the Wagner Group abroad. As these oligarchs live under constant pressure, the world watches as Western sanctions bite into their luxurious lives, leaving the future uncertain for the Russian elite who have been the backbone of Putin’s power for decades. Instagram - @realstoriesdocs Any queries, please contact us at: owned-enquiries@littledotstudios.com
