Mikhail Khodorkovsky is a prominent Russian entrepreneur and former businessman, known for his role in founding and leading Yukos, once one of Russia's largest oil companies. His rise in the Russian oil industry made him one of the country's wealthiest individuals and a powerful figure in the post-Soviet economic landscape. Khodorkovsky's business success and his political ambitions eventually drew the ire of the Russian government, leading to his arrest in 2003 on charges widely viewed as politically motivated. Khodorkovsky's imprisonment sparked international controversy and debates over justice, corruption, and the rule of law in Russia. Many considered his arrest a setback for political and economic reforms, as it was seen as an effort to weaken an influential critic of the government. He was sentenced to lengthy prison terms but maintained a significant following among opposition groups and advocates for freedom and democracy. After serving a decade in prison, Khodorkovsky was released in 2013 and went into exile, primarily residing in Europe. Since then, he has become a vocal critic of Vladimir Putin's regime and an advocate for democratic reforms in Russia. Khodorkovsky continues to influence political discourse from abroad, focusing on promoting civil society, human rights, and transparency within Russia. Mikhail Khodorkovsky is a notable Russian businessman and former oil tycoon, known for founding Yukos, one of Russia's largest oil companies. His economic success and influence made him a prominent figure in Russia's post-Soviet era. His political ambitions and increasing independence from the government eventually led to his arrest and imprisonment, marking a turning point in his life and in Russian politics. His legal troubles and imprisonment drew international criticism, with many viewing his case as politically motivated and a sign of Russia's limited commitment to rule of law. Khodorkovsky's time in prison was long and contentious, and his release in 2013 prompted him to speak openly against the Russian government. Since then, he has been an exile, actively advocating for democracy, civil liberties, and reforms in Russia from abroad.