Russian Business Leaders Speak Out Against The War As Expert Says Russia Is Becoming Like North Korea

Amid the sanctions imposed on the Russian economy following the nation's invasion of Ukraine some Russian business leaders are now begun speaking out against the conflict and calling for peace.

Prominent among these is Mikhail Fridman who has now gone public in his condemnation. He said in an online post:

"My parents are Ukrainian citizens and live in Lviv, my favourite city. But I have also spent much of my life as a citizen of Russia, building and growing businesses. I am deeply attached to Ukrainian and Russian peoples and see the current conflict as a tragedy for them both. This crisis will cost lives and damage two nations who have been brothers for hundreds of years. While a solution seems frighteningly far off, I can only join those whose fervent desire is for the bloodshed to end."

Russia expert, Dmitri Alperovitch, who works for a special policy institute, says it is unlikely business pressure will bring an end to the war but says Russia is becoming increasingly isolated. He told reporters:

"If you'd asked me two or three weeks ago what is the likelihood that Putin will be ousted in a palace coup I would have said zero. Today it is no longer that. I think it is precisely because the sanctions have been so severe, and the diplomatic isolation which cannot be underestimated."

Adding:

"This is rapidly turning Russia into a North Korea-style pariah state. So, when you look at the elites, people who have enriched themselves over decades, that have bought properties, yachts – they are also realising those sanctions won't get removed while Putin is in power. It is not out of the realms of possibility, small chance, but not zero, that someone will say 'we've had enough, it's time to step aside."

Many western experts have suggested that the Russian invasion is going at a slow pace with unexpected high losses and logistical issues. However, others have said that Russia is making slow but steady progress and the real challenge for both sides will come once the Russians descend upon Kiev and try to take other major cities. Thousands of people are already known to have died in the conflict.

[Based on reporting by: Devon]