Probably the most influential voices bolstering Vladimir Putin’s resolution to invade Ukraine belongs to a 71-year-old billionaire who argued {that a} conflict may just turn out Russia’s power.
Yuri Kovalchuk, for many years an in depth buddy of the Russian chief, stocks Mr. Putin’s imaginative and prescient of Russia as a formidable army and cultural counterpoint to the U.S., individuals who know him say. The billionaire and Mr. Putin have met regularly because the get started of the conflict in February, and in addition communicate by means of telephone or video, consistent with a pal of the Kovalchuk circle of relatives in addition to to a former Russian intelligence reputable.
