Mikhail Khodorkovsky

Mikhail Khodorkovsky is an exiled Russian former oil tycoon and prominent critic of Vladimir Putin. Once one of Russia's wealthiest individuals as the head of Yukos Oil, he was imprisoned in Russia for fraud and tax evasion, charges widely seen as politically motivated. He was later pardoned and released, subsequently moving abroad and becoming a leading voice in the Russian diaspora opposition. He is newsworthy due to his recent warning that Putin is likely to stage another Salisbury-style attack on UK soil unless the government adopts a more aggressive stance against the Kremlin. Khodorkovsky claims to be well-informed about the thinking and developments within Moscow's elite circles, adding weight to his warnings. His continued criticism and influence within the Russian opposition movement make him a significant figure in understanding and analyzing the dynamics of Russian politics and international relations.