The article analyzes Russia's elite corruption from domestic and international perspectives. While corrupt proceeds make Russian elites invested in the political system, corruption also acts as a destabilizing force in Russia. I argue that corruption is a double-edged sword for the oligarchs and the Kremlin alike. As a competitive kleptocracy in which corrupt elites have the option of international exit via offshores, Russia currently lacks any clear "top-down" path toward the rule of law. Furthermore, the country's elite corruption presents political problems for the West. The article concludes with some policy recommendations.