Putin demands oligarchs contribute money for war

Russian President Vladimir Putin held a closed-door meeting with Russian oligarchs on March 26, where he demanded that they "chip in" financially for the war. At least two agreed, according to The Bell.

The idea of pushing businesses to contribute funds reportedly came from Rosneft chief Igor Sechin, sources said. He proposed issuing military federal loan bonds as a way to attract funding.

Putin not only supported the initiative but also personally suggested that oligarchs make "voluntary contributions." At least two of them agreed to Putin’s proposal. For example, Suleiman Kerimov reportedly promised to contribute 100 billion rubles to the budget. Another unnamed oligarch also pledged a large sum, although exact figures were not disclosed.

Putin demands oligarchs contribute money for war, The Bell reports