Russian billionaire denounces war in Ukraine, calls on West to ‘stop this massacre’

Russian billionaire Oleg Tinkov has sharply criticized Russia’s war in Ukraine, calling on the West to do more to “stop this massacre,” CNN reported.

Tinkov, who was among 65 people imposed sanctions by the United Kingdom on March 24 for “supporting the Russian invasion of Ukraine”, made the remarks via Instagram.

“I do not see anyone benefiting from this absurd war. The generals are waking up with a headache realizing that they have an army that sucks,” Tinkoff said.

The Russian tycoon, who founded Tinkoff Bank in 2006, noted that “90% of Russians” oppose the war. “Kremlin officials are shocked that not only they but also their children will not go to the Mediterranean this summer. Businessmen are trying to save what is left of their property. Of course there are idiots who write the letter Z but “There are about 10% of idiots in all countries. 90% of Russians are AGAINST this war,” he said.

The letter “G” became a symbol of popular support for the war between some Russians, as Russian military vehicles were marked with this symbol during the invasion.

Tinkoff called on the West to “give Mr Putin a clear exit to save his image and stop this massacre. Please be more sensible and humane,” he added.

Other Russian businessmen are also calling for peace. In March, Russian oil company Lukoil called for an end to the war in Ukraine.

Oligarchs Mikhail Friedman and Oleg Deripaska also spoke out against the war in late February following the Russian invasion of Ukraine.

Friedman, who was born in western Ukraine, said in a letter to staff that he wanted the “bloodshed” to stop. Deripaska wrote in a Telegram post: “Peace is very important! Negotiations must begin as soon as possible”!

Earlier this month, the president of the Russian metals company Rusal called for an impartial investigation into the killing of civilians in the Ukrainian city of Butsa.