Russia's well-to-do prepare for the worse

MOSCOW (JP): On the eve of presidential elections, a nervous calm set on many of Moscow's young business tycoons last night, as they wondered whether the results of today's elections would cast a cloud over their new-found lifestyles.

While many remain optimistic of a Yeltsin victory, the thought of a communist resurgence has certainly not escaped their minds.

Dubbed the "red-jackets" for the unique colorful blazers they wear, Russia's new rich probably have the most to lose should Communist Party candidate Gennady Zyuganov win here today.

At a trendy local "English Pub" located in a posh shopping center just a few hundred meters from the famous "White House" government building, 31-year-old Igor Kosyrko revealed what he would do without hesitation in the event of a communist victory.

"I'm going abroad. I'm going to Germany," he remarked.

Reaping the benefits of Russia's economic reforms, Kosyrko has risen to become a thriving vice-director of a real estate company.

"I have worked hard. I don't want to give this up," he said, throwing the keys of his one-year-old French-made car on the table.

He admits that he enjoys the luxuries of life in the new Russia, and said that it is now a land of opportunity in which everyone can succeed.

Kosyrko says he is proud of what he has accomplished in his young career. But he would, in the end, readily relinquish everything should the communists win and do away with private property.

"My friends and I put everything in assets," he said, noting the rampant rumors that hard currency could be banned should things go unpleasantly in the coming weeks.

While there is yet to be a rush of capital flight, many Russians are said to have moved portions of their wealth abroad.

Ticket sales to major European destinations are also in high demand this month.

Another young entrepreneur named Andrei said he would leave his supply business and depart through the Ukraine, which is notorious for its accessibility for travel abroad.

"I have friends who can help," he said.

"I believe Yeltsin will win, but I know what to do if he doesn't," Andrei confided.

Andrei says his belief in a Yeltsin victory has made him lax in preparing for a departure.

Similarly, 27-year-old jewelry trader Kiril said he would probably leave if his country returns to communism.

He said he would probably take his wife and five-year-old daughter to Switzerland.

"I don't want to leave: I like Russia. This is home. But if I have to, I will (leave)," he said with a nervous smile, while predicting the likelihood of a civil war if Yeltsin loses.

Though not all of Russia's well-off share the same perception of economic doom, many have not closed their eyes to the possibility of unrest after the elections.

Several foreign embassies here have privately revealed that they are making contingency plans if the situation worsens.

Families of Indonesian diplomats by chance on Wednesday left Moscow for a vacation in Athens.

However, they claim that their spouses' and children's departures have nothing to do with the election, and that the timing is purely coincidental. (mds)