Doing Business With Putin
“If Putin likes Donald Trump, I consider that an asset, not a liability,” the incoming U.S. president said at a January 11 press conference. But other U.S. and European leaders who have sought to cultivate personal ties with the Russian president and former KGB agent have frequently found that doesn’t always pay political dividends.
No politicians have managed to get the better of Vladimir Putin, who’s reserved his respect—and enmity—for opponents such as Chancellor Angela Merkel. At home, business elites find compliance is the only safe way to preserve their fortunes and liberty. Here's a quick guide to those who tried to do business with Putin, who failed—and some who succeeded.
