Top Putin Adviser Resigns

MAR 23 2022·Updated MAR 25 2022

Story

Image credit: AP [via CBS News]

The Facts

The Kremlin has stated that Putin's envoy for liasion with international organizations, Anatoly Chubais, has resigned. He served a variety of top official jobs over the past three decades.
CBS News
Although not confirmed by the Kremlin, he's believed to have resigned due to the conflict in Ukraine, and has reportedly left Russia.
Independent
Chubais, the architect of post-Soviet privatizations, is seen as the highest ranking official to have openly left the regime due to the current conflict.
Independent
The resignation follows that of Arkady Dvorkovich, who served as senior economic adviser to Dmitry Medvedev, as well as Putin's promise to 'self-cleanse' traitors opposing the events in Ukraine.
FOX News
Chubais was allegedly sighted in Istanbul, Turkey last week.
guardian

Sources Split

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The Spin

Anti-Russia narrative

This is an important statement, and highlights the worry surrounding Oligarchs that the Kremlin and Putin have labelled as 'scum.' Russia is clearly willing to turn on its own people no matter the legacy that they've left for the country.

Daily Mail

Narrative B

While a welcome statement, this does nothing to suggest that Putin has lost the support of the Russian political elite. Chubais' departure represents an exception, not a trend. Putin's inner circle isn't succumbing any time soon to public protests in Russia or sanctions targeting oligarchs.