Khodorkovsky Warns of Trump’s Influence on Putin Amid Ongoing Ukraine Conflict
Exiled former oligarch Mikhail Khodorkovsky discusses the impact of Donald Trump's rhetoric on Russian politics and the war in Ukraine during an interview.
Mikhail Khodorkovsky, a prominent critic of Vladimir Putin and former oil magnate, has asserted that Donald Trump has contributed to a politically "comfortable" environment for the Russian president.
In an interview with LBC, Khodorkovsky elaborated that Trump's statements regarding the ongoing conflict in Ukraine have inadvertently bolstered support for Putin among the Russian populace.
The conflict, entering its fourth year, has led to significant casualties, with estimates of Russian military deaths ranging from 160,000 to 250,000, alongside hundreds of thousands of wounded.
Despite these losses, dissent against the Kremlin remains limited, according to Khodorkovsky, who indicated that Trump's criticisms of Ukraine have fortified the Russian leadership's position.
Khodorkovsky emphasized the necessity for increased pressure from Western nations on the Putin regime, contending that insufficient measures have been taken to challenge the Kremlin's actions.
He also expressed concern regarding the potential for a new cold war between the West and Russia, asserting that Europe lacks the capability to confront Putin independently, without the backing of the United States.
As tensions escalate, Khodorkovsky commented on the nuances of U.S. support, noting a perceived shift away from European allies in recent times.
He conveyed a sense of urgency, advocating for a unified front to prevent a further escalation of hostilities.
In discussing the nuclear threat posed by Russia, Khodorkovsky acknowledged concerns from Trump’s envoy related to Kremlin actions that could provoke a nuclear conflict.
He cautioned against underestimating Putin's willingness to resort to such measures, suggesting that while the Russian leader is not suicidal, he could potentially act if he perceived a lack of retaliation from NATO.
Khodorkovsky's views come from his unique perspective as a former oligarch who has spent years in exile following his imprisonment in Russia on charges many believe were politically motivated.
After being released from prison in 2013, he has been an outspoken critic of Putin, advocating for democratic reforms in Russia while residing in London.
In an interview with LBC, Khodorkovsky elaborated that Trump's statements regarding the ongoing conflict in Ukraine have inadvertently bolstered support for Putin among the Russian populace.
The conflict, entering its fourth year, has led to significant casualties, with estimates of Russian military deaths ranging from 160,000 to 250,000, alongside hundreds of thousands of wounded.
Despite these losses, dissent against the Kremlin remains limited, according to Khodorkovsky, who indicated that Trump's criticisms of Ukraine have fortified the Russian leadership's position.
Khodorkovsky emphasized the necessity for increased pressure from Western nations on the Putin regime, contending that insufficient measures have been taken to challenge the Kremlin's actions.
He also expressed concern regarding the potential for a new cold war between the West and Russia, asserting that Europe lacks the capability to confront Putin independently, without the backing of the United States.
As tensions escalate, Khodorkovsky commented on the nuances of U.S. support, noting a perceived shift away from European allies in recent times.
He conveyed a sense of urgency, advocating for a unified front to prevent a further escalation of hostilities.
In discussing the nuclear threat posed by Russia, Khodorkovsky acknowledged concerns from Trump’s envoy related to Kremlin actions that could provoke a nuclear conflict.
He cautioned against underestimating Putin's willingness to resort to such measures, suggesting that while the Russian leader is not suicidal, he could potentially act if he perceived a lack of retaliation from NATO.
Khodorkovsky's views come from his unique perspective as a former oligarch who has spent years in exile following his imprisonment in Russia on charges many believe were politically motivated.
After being released from prison in 2013, he has been an outspoken critic of Putin, advocating for democratic reforms in Russia while residing in London.
