Murdoch's Engagement Connects Him to Russian Oligarch Circle
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Rupert Murdoch, 92, is engaged to Elena Zhukova, 67, who has ties to Russian oligarchs through her ex-husband and daughter's previous marriage.
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Zhukova was previously married to Russian oligarch Alexander Radkin Zhukov, who was detained in 2001 on accusations of arms dealing with the Russian mafia.
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Zhukova's daughter, Dasha, was married to Roman Abramovich from 2008-2017. He is regarded as Putin's backchannel to the West.
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Abramovich owned assets like superyachts and Chelsea FC before sanctions, and his private jets were seized by the U.S. in 2022.
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The engagement links Murdoch to a web of Russian oligarch wealth, despite him previously wanting to sell assets in Russia due to theft and corruption concerns.