Billionaire banker Oleg Tinkov has given up his Russian citizenship because of the war in Ukraine.
Oleg Tinkov has given up his Russian citizenship
The oligarch founded the online Tinkoff Bank - which is one of Russia's largest lenders with around 20 million customers - but has now hit out at Vladimir Putin for waging war on the Ukrainians.
In an Instagram post, Tinkov said: "I can't and won't be associated with a fascist country that started a war with their peaceful neighbour."
The independent Russian news source Sota Vision had tweeted a photo of Tinkov's certificate showing that his Russian citizenship had been terminated as well as his social media tirade against Putin - although the post has now been removed from his account.
The banker said: "It is a shame for me to continue to hold this passport."
Few Russian tycoons have publicly criticised Russia's invasion of Ukraine but Tinkov hopes that he inspires more to question Putin's actions.
He said: "I hope more prominent Russian businessmen will follow me, so it weakens Putin's regime and his economy, and put him eventually to defeat.
"I hate Putin's Russia, but I love all Russians who are clearly against this crazy war!"
Tinkov is reportedly living in London but is subject to UK sanctions that have been imposed on members of the Russian business elite in response to the conflict.
The sanctions placed on him and other oligarchs include travel bans, asset freezes and the impounding of planes and yachts.