I’ve been a Russian living in Europe and I follow the news closely both from European and Russian independent media. The cash flow is complicated, but it exists, and Russian oligarchs/politicians still own property and support their families in Europe, even if they are suctioned themselves.
Also, it’s not a reason for Putin not to attack anyone if thar would feed his ego and help to keep his position.
It’s pretty clear that the economic gravity in Russia has shifted towards the Global South at this point. So, in terms of political influence, Europe is largely irrelevant now because over the past four years there plenty of new businesses filling the niches left by decoupling from the west. It’s in their interest to ensure western competition doesn’t come back. And today they have far more influence in politics than a handful of people who still have any financial ties to Europe.
I’ve been a Russian living in Europe and I follow the news closely both from European and Russian independent media. The cash flow is complicated, but it exists, and Russian oligarchs/politicians still own property and support their families in Europe, even if they are suctioned themselves. Also, it’s not a reason for Putin not to attack anyone if thar would feed his ego and help to keep his position.
It’s pretty clear that the economic gravity in Russia has shifted towards the Global South at this point. So, in terms of political influence, Europe is largely irrelevant now because over the past four years there plenty of new businesses filling the niches left by decoupling from the west. It’s in their interest to ensure western competition doesn’t come back. And today they have far more influence in politics than a handful of people who still have any financial ties to Europe.