Putin’s Close Ally Rotenberg Loses His 'Right Hand' to FSB Arrest

High-Profile Detentions Shake Russia’s Elite

According to Главком: Russia’s Federal Security Service (FSB) has detained Konstantin Makhov, chairman of the board of Ruskhimalliance and widely regarded as the right-hand man of oligarch Arkady Rotenberg. This marks the second arrest of a senior official in just two weeks, following the high-profile detention of Ilya Traber, owner of the St. Petersburg ports. Traber’s case was personally handled by FSB First Deputy Director Korolev, drawing significant public attention.

It remains unclear whether the two cases are connected, but analysts suggest that the decision to detain Makhov could not have been made without the involvement of President Vladimir Putin. Rotenberg, a longtime friend of Putin dating back to the Ozero cooperative, has never shown political ambitions. This development signals potential upheaval within Russia’s ruling circles.

Signs of a Shifting Power Structure

The arrests underscore possible dramatic changes in Russia’s top political class. Notably, in 2025, former Kursk governor and Transport Minister Alexander Starovoit-whom Rotenberg was unable to protect-died by suicide. Observers note that none of these detentions are linked to corruption allegations, further complicating the political landscape. Korolev’s own ambitions in this unfolding drama remain unknown.

The recent detentions may reflect internal conflicts and shifts in Russia’s power hierarchy, driven by elite infighting. They also raise questions about the stability of ties between oligarchs and state institutions, with far-reaching implications for the country’s economic and political future. As Russia approaches upcoming elections and potential leadership changes, these events warrant close scrutiny from analysts and observers.

The arrests of senior officials like Makhov and Traber may signal internal conflicts and changes in Russia’s political structure, triggered by a power struggle among the elite.

This also casts doubt on the stability of connections between oligarchs and state bodies, which could have long-term consequences for the nation’s economic and political climate.

The recent arrest of Konstantin Makhov highlights a troubling trend within Russia's elite. As tensions rise among the powerful, the implications of these high-profile detentions are becoming increasingly significant. For further insight into the ongoing developments surrounding Rotenberg's associates, explore the details of another key associate's arrest in Moscow.