Russian tycoon tells Kremlin: Tolerate, don't punish dissident remote workers


FILE PHOTO: President and Chairman of the Board of MMC Norilsk Nickel Vladimir Potanin attends a session of the St. Petersburg International Economic Forum (SPIEF), Russia June 6, 2019. REUTERS/Maxim Shemetov/File Photo

LONDON (Reuters) - One of Russia's richest tycoons called on the authorities on Monday to tolerate rather than punish hundreds of thousands of workers who have fled abroad due to Moscow's war in Ukraine, arguing that the country needs their brain power.

"People who work for our economy from abroad - remotely or otherwise - should not be punished," billionaire metals executive Vladimir Potanin told the online RBC news portal, calling for an end to talk of punitive measures against them, something he called "demagoguery".

The Star Festive Promo: Get 35% OFF Digital Access

Monthly Plan

RM 13.90/month

Best Value

Annual Plan

RM 12.33/month

RM 8.02/month

Billed as RM 96.20 for the 1st year, RM 148 thereafter.

Follow us on our official WhatsApp channel for breaking news alerts and key updates!

Next In World

Orban scales up 'war or peace' campaign as Hungary heads to pivotal vote
Louvre Museum's Denon gallery damaged by water leak, Mona Lisa unaffected
Displaced Cambodians in limbo as nationalist victory in Thailand adds to pressure
French tourist found dead in Chad after falling off cliff
Carney, other leaders to mourn victims at site of Canada mass shooting
Romantic proposals become a booming business in 'City of Love'
Russia pushes back hard against prospect of US-built nuclear plant in Armenia
Monarchists rally in support of ex-king as Nepal limps toward election
India's Modi speaks to Bangladesh's Rahman, congratulates him on poll victory
EU reconsidering funds for Serbia as justice laws 'eroding trust'

Others Also Read