[c_crank]

Those richest thirds of Russians are still under Putin's thumb.

[Arnt]

To some degree. The poorest third are under his thumb to a larger degree, don't you agree? The difference is best described as power.

[c_crank]

The power gained by their wealth is enough to make leaving the country easy, but not enough to "save" it, by any stretch.

[Arnt]

The modestly powerful can only effect modest improvements. Often local rather than national. If you think modest improvement is zero, then you are unquestionably right, they can't "save" it.