NEWS: Russian Energy Chief Survives Explosion and Hail of Gunfire

One of Russia's best known businessmen was attacked this morning on his way to work. An explosive device was detonated, and his car was peppered with small arms fire. While no motive is known at this time, Anatoly Chubais, the businessman in question, has become quite unpopular with big business since he raised the rates on electricity signifigantly. Chubais was also a key proponent of privatization reform during the Yeltsin years.



The frequency of organized killings in Russia has dropped signifigantly in the last few years. For a while, following the upheaval of the breakup of the Soviet Union, businessmen commonly settled disputes using gangs of armed men. President Putin has brought the law and order back to Russia, but there are still simmering tensions not fully quashed.

The mob is reputedly in control of the Kremlin, and has been for some time. This isn't really their style, though, and I suspect they had nothing to do with this incident. If they were involved, Chubais would probably be dead; they're nothing if not thorough.

More likely this was a hit called in out of frustration. Chubais has raised the cost of doing business by a great deal, and has made many enemies in the process. Despite Putin's attempts to tame the Wild West aptmosphere in Russia that has reigned since the Cold War ended, it would appear as though some businessmen still choose to settle their differences the old fashioned way, with bullets and bombs.

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