Former Top Adviser to Vladimir Putin Urgently Hospitalized

Anatoly Chubais, the former top adviser to Russian President Vladimir Putin, has been rushed to hospital. Chubays, 67, who fled Russia amid dissatisfaction with the invasion of Ukraine, is said to suffer from a rare immune disorder.

However, an investigation into possible poisoning has also been launched.

Chubais, also known as the privatization czar because he was responsible for the privatization of the Russian economy, is currently in a European hospital, two sources close to the man told Reuters news agency. Where exactly is not said.

Chubays, 67, believes he suffers from Guillain-Barré syndrome, an autoimmune disease affecting the nervous system. The syndrome is quite rare, affecting about 1 in 100,000 people each year. “Fortunately, the doctors stated that they were there in time,” the first source told Reuters. “I don’t think it’s poisoning,” said the second source.

Another story resonates with imprisoned opposition leader Alexei Navalny. “This is the Kremlin’s reputation,” his spokesperson wrote on Twitter. “There is no doubt that this is poisoning.”

A European intelligence service has already started an investigation into the case, but no results are available for the time being. According to an acquaintance, Chubays was taken to hospital by people in Hazmat suits, and protective clothing is used when potentially dangerous substances are involved.