The origin story of Russian oligarchs
Mar 10, 2022

The origin story of Russian oligarchs

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The wealth and power of Russian oligarchs are closely linked to Vladimir Putin.

Segments From this episode

Though wages are rising, inflation is winning the race

Mar 10, 2022
Some economists figured wages would get ahead of the inflation rate this year. That was before Russia invaded Ukraine.
Inflation hit 7.9% for February. Wage increases can't keep up the pace.
Michael M. Santiago/Getty Images

Public transit could get a boost from high gas prices

Mar 10, 2022
Bus and train ridership has dipped since the start of the pandemic. High fuel prices, spurred in part by the war in Ukraine, may change that.
With gasoline prices reaching record highs, many people are on board with public transportation.
Spencer Platt/Getty Images

How has the war in Ukraine affected global hunger?

Mar 10, 2022
Even if globally significant crops in the Ukraine and Russia are eventually harvested, the chief economist of the UN World Food Programme warns they may not make it out of either country.
Some 50% of the UN World Food Programme’s grain comes from areas of Ukraine and Russia.
Genya Savilov/AFP via Getty Images

Among the aid Ukrainian refugees can expect: cold, hard cash

Mar 10, 2022
Red Cross founder Clara Barton gave cash to war refugees in the 1870s. Now, aid organizations say it empowers refugees more than in-kind aid.
Residents of Kharkiv, Ukraine, take shelter in a metro station. As aid pours in, many experts believe money would provide the greatest benefit to victims of the war.
Emre Caylak/AFP Getty Images

Who are the Russian oligarchs being sanctioned, and how did they get so rich?

Mar 10, 2022
Their fates and fortunes are tied closely to Vladimir Putin's.
After Vladimir Putin became president, he helped fund the wealth of Russian oligarchs with state money. In return, oligarchs provided him money and loyalty.
Mikhail Klimentyev/Sputnik/AFP via Getty Images

Could U.K. fracking wean Europe off its addiction to Russian gas?

Mar 10, 2022
The government says it is mulling the possibility of lifting the fracking suspension to ease the energy crisis caused by the invasion of Ukraine.
The United Kingdom shut down fracking for safety and environmental reasons in 2019; the wells were due to be filled with concrete as early as next week. Above, a Cuadrilla fracking site in Preston, England.
Christopher Furlong/Getty Images

Music from the episode

Citations Mildlife
Hypercolor goosetaf, anbuu, chromonicci
Feather Little Dragon
Orchids Monster Rally
Gun Metal Grey The Budos Band
Heartbreaker Crazy P

The team

Nancy Farghalli Executive Producer
Maria Hollenhorst Producer II
Andie Corban Producer I
Sean McHenry Director & Associate Producer II
Richard Cunningham Associate Producer I
Dylan Miettinen Associate Digital Producer