Former Putin minister exposes Russia's power play politics
Professor Vladimir Ponomaryov, a former minister under Putin's government, reveals the inner workings of the Russian regime. He explains why he had to leave Russia. "I don't know what would have happened to my wife and me," he says in an interview with "Super Express."
What do you need to know?
- Professor Vladimir Ponomaryov, former state secretary in the Ministry of Construction of the Russian Federation, left Russia after the invasion of Ukraine began, fearing for the safety of himself and his family.
- The Russian regime does not tolerate independent voices, and Ponomariov emphasises that Putin respects only strength, which makes negotiations with him extremely difficult.
- Sanctions imposed on Russia are not yielding the expected results, and the country finds ways to circumvent the restrictions.
Why did Ponomaryov leave Russia?
Professor Vladimir Ponomaryov, a former minister under Putin's government, decided to leave Russia after the invasion of Ukraine began. In an interview with "Super Express," he admitted that he feared for his life and his family's safety. - I don't know what would have happened to my wife and me if we hadn't made that decision - he confessed.
His son, 50-year-old Ilya Ponomarev, is a dissident who openly opposes Vladimir Putin's regime. He was in the State Duma but was stripped of his mandate and fled the Russian Federation. He now resides in Kyiv.
Is Putin a strong leader?
Ponomaryov, who had the opportunity to work closely with Putin, emphasises that the current president of Russia is not a strong leader. - A strong leader is not just someone who forces their elite to be obedient, but one who can lead the country to prosperity - he stated in an interview with SE. In his opinion, Putin's decisions have led to economic stagnation and a lack of scientific and technological progress in Russia.
What are the effects of the sanctions imposed on Russia?
Despite numerous sanctions imposed by Europe and the United States, Russia still finds ways to bypass them. - The sanctions are full of holes, and Russia finds these gaps - notes Ponomaryov. Instead of weakening the Russian economy, the sanctions have paradoxically increased its financial capabilities, allowing for the continuation of military actions.
Is Russia seeking to escalate the conflict?
Ponomaryov warns that Russia may undertake diversionary actions, such as cyberattacks, aimed at destabilising the situation in Europe. - I do not believe that the Russian army will cross the border of European countries that are members of NATO - says the professor.
