Western sanctions have not achieved their goal of turning Russia’s wealthy elite against the government, as many billionaires remain publicly neutral or silent regarding the ongoing conflict. Instead, policies enacted by President Vladimir Putin have fostered an environment where these individuals often act as discreet supporters, maintaining their financial interests and social positions without overt opposition. Such dynamics illustrate how economic and political strategies can influence elite behavior, especially when direct confrontation could jeopardize personal gains. Despite international efforts to pressure Russia’s top earners, a significant segment continues to uphold their status quo, leveraging their resources and networks to sustain their influence quietly. The resilience of this support base underscores the complexities of economic sanctions and their limited power to directly alter elite loyalties in geopolitically sensitive contexts.