Russian President Vladimir Putin and Ravil Maganov, former chairman Lukoil's board of director in Moscow in November 2019. Photo: Mikhail Kilmentyev/AFP via Getty Images
Ravil Maganov, chairman of the board of directors for the Russian oil and gas giant Lukoil, died Thursday after falling out of a window at a hospital in Moscow, Russian news agency Interfax reports, citing an anonymous source.
Why it matters: Maganov is the latest in a series of Russian oligarchs, many of whom were involved in Russia's energy sector, who have died under unexplained circumstances.
- Before Maganov's death on Thursday, at least seven Russian oligarchs have met sudden unexplained — and sometimes violent — deaths this year, though suicide is officially suspected in the incidents, according to Deutsche Welle.
Two sources confirmed to Reuters Thursday that Maganov, 67, died after falling from a window at Moscow's Central Clinical Hospital.
- Two people familiar with Maganov also told Reuters they believed it was highly unlikely he had committed suicide.
What they're saying: Lukoil, Russia's second biggest oil and gas company, said in a statement Thursday that Maganov "passed away following a severe illness."
- "Ravil Maganov immensely contributed to the development of not only the Company, but of the entire Russian oil and gas sector," it added.
The big picture: Lukoil's board of directors seemingly broke ranks with the Kremlin in March by calling for "the soonest termination" of Russia's invasion of Ukraine, CNN reports.
- "We express our sincere empathy for all victims, who are affected by this tragedy. We strongly support a lasting ceasefire and a settlement of problems through serious negotiations and diplomacy," the board said just days after the start of the invasion.
- The Department of Justice announced Wednesday that the U.S. obtained a warrant to to seize a corporate aircraft owned by Lukoil.
Go deeper: U.S. obtains warrant to seize Russian energy company's $45 million plane