Thanks to their wealth, Russian oligarchs have great influence, but despite the tough sanctions, many of them still do not oppose Vladimir Putin (69) and the war in Ukraine. However, other family members of the super-rich Russians find clearer words: Their daughters use the online reach, which they have built up over the years with their jet-set lifestyle, for an important message. For once there are political statements instead of beach photos.
Probably the most prominent critic among them: Sofia Abramowitsch (27), the daughter of Roman Abramowitsch (55), one of the wealthiest entrepreneurs in the world – and (still) owner of Chelsea FC. She posts a picture on Instagram that says Putin, not Russia, wants war. “The Kremlin’s biggest and most successful lie is that all Russians are behind Putin,” she continues.
Daughter of Kremlin spokesman sympathizes with Ukraine
But it is also impressive that the daughter of the Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov (54) speaks up on Instagram. With the words “No to the war” Elizaveta Peskowa (24) directly opposed her father’s work.
The post by Maria Jumasheva (19) is also politically explosive. Because her father, Valentin Yumashev (64), is an adviser to Putin, and her grandfather is ex-President Boris Yeltsin (1931-2007). She meaningfully posted a Ukrainian flag on Instagram. Such sympathy with the enemy of the state would be unthinkable for Valentin Yumashev.
Critical words are rare in Russia
Critical posts like those of the oligarchs’ daughters are of enormous importance in Russia. With his state media, Vladimir Putin is trying to maintain the image that he is liberating Ukraine from a Nazi regime. Because independent journalism is hardly possible, it is all the more difficult to convince the residents of Russia of the opposite.
She survived World War II: Russian police take away peace activist(01:51)
—
In addition, various media have withdrawn their correspondents in recent days because a change in the law is making work even more difficult. Local journalists face up to 15 years in prison for allegedly providing false information about the Russian armed forces. The SRF has also brought its special correspondent back to Zurich. Media spokesman Stefan Wyss explains Blick: “Due to the restrictive conditions for correspondents and the consequences they face, SRF currently no longer has any employees on site in Russia.”
Facebook is blocked in Russia – Instagram is not yet
Social media like Facebook and Twitter are also blocked. Instagram, on which Sofia Abramovich, for example, spread her criticism of Putin, can still be reached so far.
Various media speculate that the Russian regime was anything but pleased with the oligarch’s daughters’ posts. Elizaveta Peskowa’s statement is said to have disappeared after an hour. Her account has now been set to private, which means that her statements can no longer be made public so quickly – probably in the interests of Vladimir Putin. (bnr)
–
