If the Russians didn't end up in prison, exile, or dead, they didn't have to worry about buying mansions or jets. The world has been turned against members of this elite group. Where did all the money come from, and are they still able to hold onto it?

Putin address
In this image made from video released by the Russian Presidential Press Service, Russian President Vladimir Putin gestures as he addresses the nation in Moscow, Russia, Wednesday, Sept. 21, 2022.Russian Presidential Press Service via AP
  • The ex-diplomat said that Putin would sacrifice 20 million soldiers to win the war.

  • Boris Bondarev told Sky News that he wanted a strong response from the west.

  • He said that Putin was using the nuclear button to get other countries to what he wanted.

"It's a matter of principle, it's a matter of survival for the Russian leader," said a former Russian diplomat.

Boris Bondarev said that if Putin lost the war with Ukraine it would be the end of him.

You should be absolutely certain about it. It's a matter of principle that he may sacrifice 10 or 20 million Russians to win this war. It is a matter of survival for him.

In May, Bondarev quit Russia's permanent mission at the UN.

The exiled diplomat warned against not meeting Putin's demands.

Bondarev said that Biden's cautious response to Putin gave him the wrong signal. He will escalate further if you are afraid of him. If Putin wants to escalate, you need to show him a clear signal. You have to prove that his threats are not working.

Russia Ukraine
A destroyed Russian Armoured Personnel Carrier (APC) is seen near the village of Nova Husarivka, Ukraine, on September 15, 2022.Gleb Garanich via Reuters

Sky News reported that a Russian who was exiled warned that Putin's nuclear threats were a reason to oust him from power. The threat of nuclear war will not go away even though Putin and his regime are in power in Russia.

The potential nuclear catastrophe is being used by Putin to get other countries to his liking.

The war had not been planned for the Russian leader. He said that Putin planned the invasion to be short and easy. He has to win it at all cost.

Bondarev said that the 20 years he has been in power have been lucky for him. He doesn't know what he's talking about. He is in a good spot. His luck is over.

Business Insider has an article on it.