Once Upon a Time in Russia: The Rise of the Oligarchs—A True Story of Ambition, Wealth, Betrayal, and Murder

by Ben Mezrich

“Generally, I don’t think that the state and the businessmen are natural enemies. Rather, the state has a cudgel in its hands that you use to hit just once, but on the head. We haven’t used this cudgel yet. We’ve just brandished it, which is enough to keep someone’s attention. The day we get really angry, we will not hesitate to use it. It is inadmissible to blackmail the state. If necessary, we will destroy those instruments that allow this blackmail.”

Feels relevant as we once again sit back too scared to stop Russia annexing. Don't want to get hit by that cudgel! This is a Putin quote in response to the Oligarch who didn't want to back down and play nice... nicer word choices than he made when talking about Ukraine the other day.

THERE’S NO SUCH thing as an ex-KGB agent….

A Putin quote (I'm sure that's what the book said!)