Russia’s corporate raiders add to threat from sanctions

Vladimir Putin, Russia’s president, has repeatedly called for greater support for small- and medium-sized enterprises, yet the risks of prosperous businesses being pressured by local authorities or hostile competitors are still high. If faith in Russia’s business climate is to be increased, the ombudsman must be empowered to intervene more in genuine reiderstvo cases and the government should strengthen legislation to protect businesses from corrupt officials and hostile competitors.