Documentary Explores Putin’s Control Over Russian Oligarchs

A new Arte series investigates the rise of Russia’s oligarchs, their ties to Vladimir Putin, and their role in the Ukraine conflict.

The three-part series 'Oligarques, le gang de Poutine' examines the evolution of Russia's oligarchic system, from the post-Soviet era to the ongoing war in Ukraine.
The documentary highlights how Vladimir Putin consolidated power by subjugating oligarchs, using them to further his economic and geopolitical strategies.
It reveals the West's dependence on Russian energy and its underestimation of Putin's willingness to engage in conflict, leading to significant consequences after the Ukraine invasion.
The series details how Russian oligarchs adapted to sanctions by shifting their economic focus toward China and India, ensuring their survival in a new global order.
Filmmakers faced significant challenges, with many sources fearing for their lives, underscoring the dangerous nature of investigating Putin’s regime.