Rupert Murdoch’s Russian Fiancée and her Ties to Money and Power
Rupert Murdoch, the media mogul known for his extensive empire, is set to tie the knot for the fifth time. This time, his fiancée Elena Zhukova brings with her a fascinating history of connections to wealth and power, particularly in the Russian oligarch circles. The engagement comes as Murdoch announced his retirement, adding another chapter to his storied life.
Zhukova’s previous marriage was to Alexander Radkin Zhukov, a Russian oligarch who made headlines in 2001 when he was detained in Italy on charges of smuggling arms in collaboration with the Russian mafia. Although he denied the accusations and did not serve prison time, this incident shed light on his involvement in illicit activities. Zhukov now resides in London, where he has obtained British citizenship.
The ties between Zhukova and wealth do not end there. She shares a daughter, Dasha, with Zhukov, who was previously married to Roman Abramovich, another prominent Russian oligarch. Abramovich is well-known for his close association with Russian leader Vladimir Putin and is often regarded as Putin’s backchannel to the West. He even served as an envoy in peace talks between Russia and Ukraine following the invasion in 2022.
Abramovich’s vast luxury empire, which included private jets and the superyacht Eclipse, came under scrutiny due to his connections with Putin. As a result, he faced sanctions from the European Union and the UK. In June 2022, US officials seized two of Abramovich’s private jets for violating export restrictions. Despite these controversies, Dasha Zhukova moved on and is now married to Stavros Niarchos, the grandson of a Greek shipping tycoon.
Murdoch’s own career spans seven decades, during which he founded News Corp and built a media empire. However, his relationship with Russia has been complicated. In 2008, Murdoch announced that News Corp was selling its stake in an outdoor advertising company in Russia, citing concerns about the country’s business environment and the risk of having assets stolen. This decision reflected his cautious approach to investing in Russia.
As Murdoch prepares for his fifth marriage, his union with Zhukova brings together a web of connections to money and power. The intertwining relationships between Russian oligarchs, their associations with Putin, and the world of media and business create a captivating narrative. While the couple’s engagement marks a new chapter in their personal lives, it also highlights the intricate networks that shape the global landscape of wealth and influence.
In conclusion, Rupert Murdoch’s upcoming marriage to Elena Zhukova reveals a fascinating tapestry of connections to money and power. From Zhukova’s previous marriage to a Russian oligarch to her daughter’s ties to Roman Abramovich, the story unfolds with intrigue and complexity. As Murdoch enters a new phase in his life, his relationship with Zhukova adds another layer to his already remarkable journey.
