It was impossible to operate in the aluminium business without krysha - very real physical protection.

The quote by Roman Abramovich — "It was impossible to operate in the aluminium business without krysha — very real physical protection" — sheds light on the challenges and risks faced in the Russian aluminium industry during the turbulent post-Soviet era. The term "krysha," which literally means "roof" in Russian, refers to protection often provided by powerful figures or groups, sometimes involving organized crime or corrupt officials. Abramovich emphasizes that operating in this industry required securing such protection to survive and conduct business safely.

The origin of this quote comes from Abramovich’s experience as a major businessman in Russia, where the transition from state-controlled to privatized industries was marked by lawlessness and fierce competition. Many industries, including aluminium, were dominated by oligarchs who relied on "krysha" to shield their operations from rivals and external threats. Abramovich’s remark reflects the realities of navigating this unstable environment.

This quote also illustrates how business in certain contexts can be intertwined with power dynamics and security concerns far beyond typical commercial challenges. "Krysha" was often necessary not only to protect assets but also to maintain influence and control over markets in a volatile and often dangerous economic landscape.

In summary, Roman Abramovich’s quote highlights the difficult and sometimes dangerous conditions of doing business in post-Soviet Russia. It reveals how essential physical and political protection was in industries like aluminium, shaping the nature of commerce in that era.