Meanwhile, Russia today is more dependent on oil and gas than it has ever been, argues Chris Weafer, a long-time Russia watcher and chief strategist at Uralsib, a bank.

而长期的俄罗斯观察家和Uralsib的首席战略师Chris Weafer认为，俄罗斯今天比以往更为依赖于石油和天然气行业。

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There have been signs for months, says Chris Weafer at Alfa Bank, that the state wants a bigger role in oil.

ECONOMIST: Putin versus the oligarchs

Chris Weafer, chief strategist at Russian investment bank Uralsib, believes that Norilsk Nickel is one of the companies the state would love to add to "its list of national champions".

BBC: Russia's government avoids Norilsk Nickel battle

For Mr Putin, predicts Chris Weafer of Alfa Bank in Moscow, putting his loyalists on the boards of firms such as Rosneft is only a prelude to ensuring that these firms become the undisputed champions in their industries.

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