Deripaska Denounces War: Russian Billionaire Faces Backlash for Ceasefire Call

Russian billionaire Oleg Deripaska faces criticism after calling the war in Ukraine 'mad' and advocating for an immediate and unconditional ceasefire. Deripaska's rare statement marks the strongest criticism from a prominent businessman in Russia. Philosopher Alexander Dugin has condemned Deripaska's remarks, labeling them as a betrayal to Russian forces.

Russian billionaire Oleg Deripaska has drawn sharp criticism from pro-war factions after making a rare anti-war statement, describing the conflict in Ukraine as 'mad' and calling for an immediate, unconditional ceasefire.

In an interview with Nikkei Asia on the sidelines of an Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Business Advisory Council meeting in Japan, Deripaska, who has been under U.S., EU, and British sanctions, condemned his country's defense spending and admonished the ongoing war, stating, 'If you want to stop the war, first you need to stop the fire.'

Philosopher Alexander Dugin, a prominent ideologist of the war, lambasted Deripaska's comments, stating they represent a 'stab in the back' to Russian forces, and aid to the Ukrainian military. Representatives for Deripaska were unavailable for immediate comment.

(With inputs from agencies.)