Vladimir Nekrasov, the esteemed chairman of Lukoil, Russia's second-leading oil conglomerate, has died suddenly, the company announced. At 66, Nekrasov passed away from what has been initially identified as acute heart failure.
Nekrasov's professional journey spanned nearly five decades in the oil and gas sector. His extensive tenure included pivotal roles such as Lukoil's First Vice-President and as a key adviser to the company's top echelons. Lukoil, when approached for additional insights regarding Nekrasov's death, chose to remain reticent.
His untimely death draws eerie parallels to the demise of Lukoil's previous board chairman, Ravil Maganov, who tragically lost his life in September 2022. Reports suggest Maganov fell from a Moscow hospital window. The narrative took a mysterious turn when contrasting accounts emerged, with the BBC mentioning Lukoil's statement indicating Maganov's death followed "a severe illness."
Vladimir Putin and Ravil Maganov
Moreover, Alexander Subbotin, another high-ranking figure within Lukoil's corporate hierarchy, was found deceased in May 2022 in a shaman's residence in Mytishchi, near Moscow.
These unsettling events shadow the broader picture of a string of abrupt deaths within Russia's elite business circle. Many of these individuals had deep-rooted connections within the energy sector. Curiously, the timeline coincides with Moscow's initiation of its controversial military incursion into Ukraine in February 2022.
Lukoil, distinguishing itself from several Russian corporate entities, had voiced its apprehension regarding the Ukrainian situation. A statement issued on March 3, 2022, by the board of directors conveyed the company's alarm over the unfolding "tragic events" in Ukraine. The board underscored its plea for an "earliest possible end to armed conflict," emphasizing diplomatic negotiations. The declaration still graces the company's official online portal.
The repercussions of these mysterious deaths, especially against the backdrop of geopolitical tensions, and their potential impact on Russia's oil industry and overall business climate, remain to be fully understood.
Observers and experts are keenly watching the developing situation, as the international community awaits further clarifications.
