Russia is at a dead end.
Its full-scale invasion of Ukraine has achieved little,
except an economy under strain and a society scarred by over a million soldiers,
either killed or wounded.
And as Ukrainian drones torment Moscow and St. Petersburg, anxiety is rising.
For the first time, the war feels closer to home to Russians.
Andre Melnichenko, one of Russia's richest men,
has chosen this moment to speak out.
In nearly 60 hours of interviews with the economist,
he has laid out why Russia needs to change direction.
For years, Russia's oligarchs have lived by Vladimir Putin's rules.
Make money, but keep your nose out of politics.
So why is Mr. Melnichenko speaking out now?
And what lies ahead for Russia?
I'm Zanny Minton Beddoes, the economist editor-in-chief.
Welcome back to the insider.
So with me to discuss Mr. Melnichenko's extraordinary intervention
and what it means is Ed Carr, my deputy, as always.
Hi, Zanny.
Ed, you wrote the leader.