Russian Executive Maganov—Whose Company Urged End To Ukraine Invasion—Dies After Reportedly Falling Through Hospital Window
ForbesNov 26, 2022
Russian Lukoil Chief Dies After Falling From Hospital Window
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Image copyright: AFP/Sputnik/Getty Images [via CNN]
The Facts
On Thurs., Russian outlets reported that Lukoil's chairman Ravil Maganov died from injuries after falling out of a window of the Central Clinical Hospital in Moscow.
The exact circumstances of his fall remain unclear as closed-circuit TV cameras had reportedly been turned off for repairs. Russian state news deemed the event a "suicide."
The Spin
Anti-Russia narrative
It's no coincidence that closed-circuit TVs were turned off exactly when Maganov fell from the hospital window. Like several other gas industry executives who have died since Putin launched his invasion of Ukraine, his death matches classic KGB tactics of staged suicides.
Pro-Russia narrative
Investigations are still underway, but suicide is mostly likely given Maganov was receiving medical treatment for severe health problems, which he had just reportedly been informed weren't getting any better. The West should avoid baseless claims aimed at smearing Russia before more is known.
