As western sanctions cripple Russia and its oligarchs, even powerful billionaire allies of Putin are turning against him. The freezing of oligarchs' assets and seizure of their yachts and properties around the world makes it risky for Putin to trust anyone. A self-made, US-based millionaire and Russian exile, Kononenkin, has offered a US$1m bounty to anyone who arrests Putin. He hopes this will inspire someone within Putin's inner circle to take action and help trigger regime change in Russia.
Here are the key facts extracted from the provided text:
1. Economic sanctions have been imposed on Russia, including its oligarchs, due to Putin's actions in Ukraine.
2. Superyachts and mansions of Russian oligarchs have been seized, and their bank accounts frozen.
3. Italian authorities seized the yachts Lena and Lady M, owned by Russian billionaires.
4. Alex Kononenkin, a former Russian oligarch, had his assets seized in Russia but gained asylum in the United States.
5. He is deeply ashamed, outraged, and upset by Russia's actions in Ukraine.
6. Russian oligarchs have been known to possess luxury items like mega yachts, private planes, and expensive goods.
7. Properties and assets of Russian oligarchs, including Roman Abramovich, have been targeted by sanctions.
8. Abramovich lost control of Chelsea Football Club due to the sanctions.
9. Some major Russian oligarchs have publicly criticized Putin's invasion of Ukraine.
10. Alex Kononenkin has offered a million-dollar bounty for the arrest of Vladimir Putin.
11. He clarifies that he doesn't want someone to murder Putin but hopes an insider will arrest him.
12. Alex acknowledges the risks but believes he is not a top target for Putin.
13. The loyalty of Putin's allies, including oligarchs, appears to be wavering.
14. Regime change can happen quickly with brave voices leading the way.
15. Oligarchs fleeing Putin's regime may be potential agents of change.
These facts are presented in the order they appear in the text.