The European Union, the United States and the United Kingdom have imposed unprecedented sanctions on the Russian government, including in the energy sector and the Kremlin-controlled media.
Apart from these sanctions against Russian institutions, more than 900 individuals, including many oligarchs, involved in financing and conducting the Russian war in Ukraine have been directly sanctioned by the West.
Relegated to London after a decade in prison, former Russian oil tycoon and former oligarch Mikhail Khodorkovsky confided in an interview with Euronews.
In The Global Conversation he speaks bluntly about his biggest enemy and the war in Ukraine.
Why did Vladimir Putin decide to invade Ukraine?
Shona Murray, Euronews:
Mr Khodorkovsky, thank you very much for answering our questions. At an important time in your life, you knew Vladimir Putin well, you were close to the Russian leader.
That’s why I would like to have your opinion. What do you think he is thinking at the moment and how far can he go in this war?
Mikhail Khodorkovsky:
What I see today is above all a mixture of pragmatism, that is, his desire to increase his popularity rating in Russia, and a certain emotionality, especially a kind of paranoid fear of what is happening in the neighboring country, a fear of democratic transformations and the gained independence from Ukraine.
Shona Murray:
But at the same time we saw his military intervention in 2008, his takeover of Crimea in 2014. Do you think that you are separated from the war in Ukraine or the current war is triggered, as you said before the interview, because of COVID-19 and other issues? is that what you say?
Mikhail Khodorkovsky:
Four times during his various terms in office, Vladimir Putin solved his electoral problems with war. The first time was in 1999. Then it was 2008, 2014, and now 2022. Anyway, the isolation caused by the pandemic made him believe that Ukraine would not resist, that he would not face any organized resistance there, and that certain cities would resist him would even welcome you with flowers!
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“Putin is not a statesman, he is a bandit”
Shona Murray:
They say it is Vladimir Putin’s failure. But isn’t that also the failure of the West? Over the past two decades, Moscow has taken control of Crimea and its army has invaded Syria.
After all, wasn’t the West naïve about what Vladimir Putin was up to?
Mikhail Khodorkovsky:
The leaders of major European countries still believe they can negotiate something with Putin without showing strength, that they can talk to him, which Putin perceives as weakness. It’s a tragic mistake because he’s not a statesman like them, he’s a bandit. And what does a bandit do in such a situation, if he thinks he is strong and is asked to take a step towards her? He’s trying to finish off his victim.
“This conflict can only be resolved on the battlefield”
Shona Murray:
So what do you think is the solution? Obviously I think at this stage Emmanuel Macron and others may realize that we cannot try to negotiate with Vladimir Putin. So what do you suggest to end this situation?
Mikhail Khodorkovsky:
You know, recently, probably a month ago, I was surprised by Josep Borrell, he’s a European bureaucrat and I didn’t expect harsh words from him. He found the right words when he said that this problem will not be solved at a negotiating table but on the battlefield. Of course, at the end of this war we will have negotiations, but above all, this conflict will be resolved on the battlefield, there is no alternative.”
Shona Murray:
And what does that mean? Does this mean that NATO should officially intervene in Ukraine? Do you think this is the only solution? If not, will the war continue or expand?
Those who believe that somehow an agreement can be reached with the attacker are repeating the mistakes of their predecessors. Tens of millions of Europeans paid for these mistakes with their lives 70 years ago.
Mikhail Khodorkovsky:
Today, NATO has a tremendous opportunity to help Ukraine defend its sovereignty by participating in this war, including providing arms and training Ukrainian soldiers, rather than fighting directly on the ground.
But if this opportunity is missed, I warn you: in a few years, or maybe even before, NATO will be directly involved in this war, because it will take place on the territory of one of the NATO countries.
Those who believe that one can somehow come to terms with the perpetrator are repeating the mistakes of many of their predecessors. Tens of millions of Europeans paid for these mistakes with their lives 70 years ago.
“The Russian army is much superior”
Shona Murray:
How do you rate the support of NATO? Especially those of the Member States. In Germany we have often seen debates about weapons for Ukraine. Do you think that efforts need to be significantly increased, or is NATO on the right track in terms of military support to Ukraine?
Mikhail Khodorkovsky:
I’m sure sanctions could have counted in 2014. But today, sanctions cannot stop aggression, although they can weaken the regime enough to stop attacking at some point.
Now the conflict on the battlefield will be resolved. If NATO wants it to be solved on Ukrainian territory, then of course it (NATO) should provide much more systematic support.
It makes me laugh when I hear some officials say: “If we supply Ukraine with five, ten or twenty more weapons, they could fight on Russian territory!” But what are you talking about? Today, the artillery of the Russian army exceeds the army’s capabilities by 20 times
Ukrainian! 20 times more! The supremacy of the Russian Air Force is total.
“I want to help rebuild my country”
Shona Murray:
Just one last question, you said that this war will lead to the overthrow of Vladimir Putin. This conflict has affected you personally because of your family history in Ukraine – especially your grandmother and your childhood in this country. And if one day Vladimir Putin’s government comes to an end, do you see yourself returning to Russia as a political figure to help rebuild the country?
Mikhail Khodorkovsky:
I’m not a politician by nature. I’ve always loved doing business. And after prison, where I spent 10 years, I’m more interested in social activities now. I think Russia should no longer have a tsar figure always looking for an outside enemy. It is very important for post-Putin Russia to become a federal state and build a functioning parliament representing the interests of Russian regions. At this time, if they need my support as a manager or administrator with relevant management experience, I will of course try to help my country. But if the offspring can take care of it, I’m also very happy about it.