Vladimir Putin’s decision to invade Ukraine would be based on an intensive dialogue with the oligarch Yuri Kovalchuk71 years old, defined as “Personal Banker» of the Russian President by the US Treasury Department. IS “The man of money and the media», which owns banks, offshore companies and the country’s ten most-watched television channels on behalf of Putin. Intelligence sources speaking to The Wall Street Journal reveal that he is one of the most influential voices in support of the Moscow invasion of Kyiv, believing that “May the war prove Russia’s strength». According to intelligence sources and a friend of the Kovalchuk family, the billionaire head of the bank Rossiya and the Russian president met several times during the early stages of the war and afterwards, and there were also frequent phone or video calls. Interviews with former US officials and analysts Kremlinand public documents and information published by Panama Papersalso reveal that the Russian entrepreneur has built up a network offshore company from which Putin and his friends have benefited by investing in projects that are also important for the state. It also seems that the National Media Group of Kovalchuk owns or holds significant stakes in dozens of Russian companies television, film production and advertising, including the state-run Channel One. Four of the channels affiliated with the National Media Group are among the top 10 most watched in the country. This is also confirmed by the economist and advisor to the Russian government from 1991 to 1994, Anders Aslund: «Kovalchuk has two of the most important jobs for Putin. He’s the man of the money and the media.” Not surprisingly, the National Media Group television channels broadcast claims by Russian officials that Ukraine was planning to detonate a “dirty bomb” on its territory.
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