Russian oligarch 2004, Putin apparently engaged in a power-struggle with some oligarchs, reaching a "grand bargain" with them. This bargain allowed the oligarchs to maintain their powers, in exchange for their explicit support of – and alignment with – Putin's government. Many more business people have become oligarchs during Putin's time in power, and often due to personal relations with Putin, such as the rector of the institute where Putin obtained a degree in 1996, Vladimir Litvinenko, and Putin's childhood friend and judo-teacher Arkady Rotenberg. However, other analysts argue that the oligarchic structure has remained intact under Putin, with Putin devoting much
Arkady Pogodin Arkady Pogodin Arkady Pogodin (, born Arkady Piliver; 1901, Odessa, Russian Empire — 1975, Moscow, USSR) was a Soviet singer who worked in variety theater and operetta. At 16 years of age, Pogodin started appearing on theater stage in small roles. In 1922 he moved to Moscow, where he started working in small variety theaters performing funny songs. In 1924 he was already appearing on the stage of the prestigious Hermitage Theater. In 1938 Pogodin was invited to sing the lead role of Albert in an operetta titled "Delicate Diplomacy" ("Тонкая дипломатия" by Johann Strauss) at the Moscow Theater of