Russian oligarchs are prominent business figures from the former Soviet republics who rapidly accumulated wealth in the 1990s through Russian privatization efforts following the dissolution of the Soviet Union. They often engaged in informal agreements with former USSR officials to acquire state-owned properties.

The tumultuous state of the Soviet regime created contested ownership of state assets, providing opportunities for Russian oligarchs to make informal deals with former USSR officials, mainly in Russia and Ukraine. This allowed them to acquire state-owned properties through unconventional means.

The US Treasury has imposed sanctions on prominent Russian oligarchs, including a complete asset freeze. These actions follow a year and a half since Russia’s incursion into Ukraine, causing widespread devastation and humanitarian crises.

Certain oligarchs are exhibiting changes in behavior, while a coalition of less conspicuous individuals is actively working to categorize Russian oligarchs as war criminals.

While accountability efforts target these individuals, the challenge lies in acknowledging their true nature and avoiding the simplistic attribution of all violence solely to Putin. The quest for accountability extends to other involved complicit entities as well.

What steps are being taken to address Russian oligarchs’ presence in the US?