Millionaire ‘behind Putin coup’ predicts when Russia will replace him | World | News

A man recently accused of plotting to overthrow Vladimir Putin says that the “lies” are a sign of the fragility of the Russian leader’s power. Mikhail Khodorkovsky, 62, the one-time richest man in Russia, who served 10 years in a Siberian prison on politically motivated charges, has denied supporting Ukrainian paramilitary units and helping to recruit people in Russia to overthrow the government.

Khodorkovsky denies the claims and believes that they are an indication of the concern felt within the Kremlin about what comes once Putin relinquishes, willingly or unwillingly, his grip on power. He told the Times: “I don’t have any particular insider knowledge, but [these charges suggest] that they are clearly worried about the transfer of power that will follow Putin exiting the stage. Putin looks to be quite healthy. But for the past 80 years of Russian history, all the dictators left the stage between the ages of 70 and 80.

“Putin is 73 so that is potentially why he is starting to think about this.”

The Russian leader rarely shares his thoughts on how his time in power might end, but has admitted in the past that he often considers who his successor could be.

As per the Russian constitution, should Putin die or become incapacitated whilst in office, his prime minister Mikhail Mishustin would become interim leader.

The path to a permanent leader is less obvious however, with many fearing a significant period of instability following Putin’s exit as rival factions of the Russian political scene vie for power and position.

Khodorkovsky believes that this period could be the only chance that those who hope for a democratic future in Russia would have to realise their dreams.

He added: “A lot of people from Putin’s entourage will be looking for allies during this period, so it will open up a window of opportunity.

“But if we miss this opportunity, there will be another period of regime consolidation, which will just become another circle in the spiral.”

The FSB, Russia’s domestic intelligence service, has accused Khodorkovsky and 22 other exiled businessmen, politicians and activists of plotting to violently topple the Russian government by creating a “terrorist organisation.”

It comes amid a growing crackdown of dissidents in the country as crowds of Russians called for Putin to be overthrown in a demonstration in Kazanskaya Square.

Demonstrators chanted anti-war and anti-Putin songs as they gathered on October 13 and called for the Russian dictator to be overthrown.

They chanted in Russian: “Where have you been for eight years, you f***ing monsters? I want to watch ballet, let the swans dance. Let your grandpa tremble with excitement for Swan Lake.”

In another chant, they said: “When the czar dies, we’ll dance again. The old man still clings to his throne, afraid to let go. Old man in the bunker, still thinks it’s nineteen eighty-five.”