Over the weekend, the Russian government confirmed the unexpected passing of a senior lawmaker who had been openly critical of the invasion of Ukraine.
The Ministry of Science and Higher Education issued a statement confirming the Death of Deputy Science Minister Pyotr Kucherenko at the age of 46. According to the ministry, Kucherenko fell ill while aboard a plane transporting Russian delegates back from a business trip to Cuba. Despite an emergency landing in southern Russia, medical professionals were unable to save him.
The ministry expressed its deepest condolences to Kucherenko’s friends and family, while refraining from disclosing the cause of death. State broadcaster Zvezda reported that his family initially attributed the passing to a heart condition. However, a forensic examination is scheduled for Wednesday to ascertain the exact circumstances.
Independent Russian journalist Roman Super shared details of a conversation he had with Kucherenko a few days before leaving Russia in response to the invasion of Ukraine. Super, describing Kucherenko as an old friend, recounted their candid discussion in Kucherenko’s office. According to Super, Kucherenko urged him to leave for the sake of his own safety and that of his family, expressing grave concern over the escalating brutality in the country. Kucherenko reportedly mentioned the confiscation of his passport by authorities, making it impossible for him to depart. Super quoted Kucherenko as saying, “And there’s no world that would be happy to see a deputy Russian minister after this fascist invasion.”
The journalist further revealed that Kucherenko shared his struggle with emotional well-being, acknowledging the consumption of significant quantities of antidepressants and tranquilizers without finding substantial relief. Kucherenko conveyed a sense of helplessness, describing himself and others as hostages to the circumstances.
Kucherenko was married to Diana Gurtskaya, a renowned blind pop singer honored with numerous awards in Russia, including the prestigious People’s Artist of the Russian Federation title. Gurtskaya represented Georgia in the 2008 Eurovision Song Contest, performing the song “Peace Will Come” but ultimately losing to the Russian entry. She has publicly expressed support for Russian President Vladimir Putin, reportedly signing an open letter in 2014 along with other cultural figures, endorsing the controversial annexation of Crimea. Kucherenko and Gurtskaya tied the knot in 2005 and had a son two years later.
Tragically, Kucherenko’s untimely demise adds to a series of unexpected high-profile deaths in Russia since the commencement of the invasion. Notable individuals such as military officials, energy executives, and vocal critics of the war have all met mysterious fates over the past year. Disturbingly, fatal falls from windows have claimed the lives of well-known figures, including lawmakers. These incidents, along with other strange occurrences like suspicious hangings and murder-suicides, have affected individuals in Russia’s energy sector, casting a dark shadow over the country.
List of Deceased Oligarchs and Putin Critics Since the Ukraine Conflict
The billionaires
Some of the deaths have been marked by brutal violence, including the case of a gas executive found hanging in his Spanish villa while his wife and daughter were bludgeoned to death with an axe.
The common thread among these incidents is the elite status of the deceased individuals in Russian society and the significant wealth they had accumulated during their rise to the top of their respective industries.
Many of them had close ties to the Kremlin or were outspoken critics of Putin’s invasion of Ukraine.
On July 9, an anonymous Wikipedia user created a page titled “2022 Russian Mystery Deaths,” which began documenting the growing number of fatalities.
In October, prominent financier Bill Browder stated in an interview with ABC that it seemed to be “an epidemic of murder” fueled by feuds among oligarchs over cash shortages resulting from the war, with Putin entangled as the de facto “mafia boss” of the country.
Browder’s perspective, suggesting that the deaths were contract killings, finds support from numerous friends, family members, and colleagues of the deceased, who have challenged the official explanations provided by investigators.
The oil and gas tycoons
Professor Jeffrey Winters, a political scientist and expert on oligarchs from Northwestern University in Illinois, emphasized that many of the deceased individuals were billionaires who had bodyguards and access to the best healthcare money could afford.
In an interview with The Sydney Morning Herald and The Age, Professor Winters highlighted the need for thorough investigations to determine the causes of these deaths. He described the deaths of the oligarchs as “highly unusual.”
He further explained that oligarchs had the privilege of accessing top-notch healthcare services. They would often fly to renowned hospitals like the Mayo Clinic for concierge check-ups and treatments, covering all expenses without relying on insurance.
Additionally, most oligarchs traveled with an entourage or a security detail, making them challenging targets. Professor Winters stated, “Being a wealthy oligarch means you have multiple layers of protection surrounding you.” He mentioned the presence of bodyguards or, at the very least, private drivers and personal assistants who handled various tasks for them. When staying at hotels, they typically occupied floors with enhanced security access or had staff stationed near elevators. Random accidents like falling off roofs or out of windows were highly unlikely for individuals of their stature.
The business executives
According to Winters, the recent series of deaths follows a long-standing pattern of mysterious poisonings and assassination attempts that have occurred under Putin’s rule for over a decade.
He noted that Saudi Arabia, China, and Russia are the three places where oligarchs are most vulnerable, as they have witnessed a significant number of arrests, imprisonments, or deaths under peculiar circumstances.
Stephen Fortescue, an associate professor specializing in Russia at UNSW, stated that while the deaths may not appear suspicious individually, considering their increasing frequency, it becomes difficult to exclude the possibility of foul play in at least some cases.
Fortescue explained that incidents like heart attacks, suicides, or accidents do occur, especially among Russian men who lead stressful lives and consume excessive amounts of alcohol. However, given the mounting numbers, the situation warrants greater attention.
He suggested that the most probable motivations for these murders could be linked to commercial disputes or the fact that the victims possessed information that made them a liability to certain individuals.
Military men and Putin allies
Fortescue expressed skepticism about the deaths being part of a coordinated campaign orchestrated by a single entity, such as Putin.
He stated, “We know that Putin and the state are not hesitant to use violence and coercion, but the connections in these cases are not particularly convincing.”
In contrast, Winters presented a different perspective, highlighting Putin’s role as a sultanistic oligarch, meaning he holds a leading position among the oligarchs in Russia. According to Winters, Putin has the power to shape the fate of the oligarchs, both providing them with security and posing a risk to their positions.
Winters argued that Putin needed to find a way to control the other influential oligarchs in the country, who hold significant power as a collective group.
“It would be dangerous for Putin to target all the oligarchs simultaneously. One tactic employed by sultanistic oligarchs like Putin is to set examples by targeting specific individuals within the group. This serves as a reminder to others of who holds their fate and who has the ability to bring them down. Such a pattern is prevalent in oligarchies worldwide throughout history,” Winters explained.
Read More About Geopolitics
New Cold War – Decoupling of the US-China Economy
Unveiling Russia’s Shadow Shipping Industry
Why John Mearsheimer is Wrong on Ukraine
The New Cold War: How It Differs from the First
The post Russian Minister Found Dead Under Mysterious Circumstances Following Criticism of Ukraine Conflict appeared first on Geopolitics and Finance .
