In Moscow's Shadows 242: Igor Sechin, Sharpening Putin's Pencils for 30 Years

In Moscow's Shadows 242: Igor Sechin, Sharpening Putin's Pencils for 30 Years

March 29, 2026 · 51 min · Episode 242

About this episode

The episode discusses Igor Sechin's influence and recent activities in the context of Russian oligarchs and the budget amid the Ukraine war.

Putin reportedly gathered top oligarchs behind closed doors and asked them to chip in to help fill the budget, with the war in Ukraine sitting unmistakably in the background. The idea seems to have been initiated by Igor Sechin, Rosneft’s gravel-voiced boss and one of the most polarising figures in Putin’s circle. After keeping a low profile since 2022, why is he coming back into the news? Because of the 'Prigozhin Syndrome': if you are a crony, not a friend, if you want something from the bo...

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Host: Mark Galeotti

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Organizations: Rosneft

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