What Happened:
Russian media reported Thursday that Vitaly Robertus, who is Vice President of Russia’s oil and gas giant Lukoil, was found deceased in his office by employees on March 12. Staff mentioned that he had complained of severe headaches and had asked for medication before going into his office.
Staff also claimed he did not answer his phone or leave his office for several hours, and that is when they decided to go and check on him. The cause of death was asphyxia. He was an employee of the company for around 30 years.
The Details:
In March 2022, the board of the company called for an end to the conflict in Ukraine. They expressed empathy for the victims and hoped for a solution that was beneficial to all. Since then, there have been 4 deaths at the chairman position.
Alexander Subbotin, 43, found dead in 2022 in the basement of a house from a suspected drug induced heart attack.
Ravil Maganov, 67, died in 2022 after falling from a hospital window in Moscow.
Vladimir Nekrasov, 66, died of heart failure.
Vitaly Robertus, 54, died of Asphyxiation
The company itself produces 2% of the world’s crude oil and suffered from the sanctions imposed on Moscow by the West.
The death was ruled a suicide by Russian authorities.
What’s Next:
Russian elections are currently being held where Russian President Vladimir Putin is running unopposed. The opposition leader, Alexei Navalny, passed away in an Arctic Circle prison known for harsh conditions. The deaths of high ranking officials has raised some suspicions toward Moscow.
There have not been any other details released as of yet.
