Final answer:
Vladimir Putin's era as Prime Minister and President of Russia was marked by the creation of billionaire oligarchs from the sell-off of state industries and the rise in oil prices, which benefited Putin's circle disproportionately, culminating in his significant personal wealth.
Step-by-step explanation:
The transformation of Russia's economy to capitalism during Vladimir Putin's administration, which began with his role as Prime Minister in 1999 and later as president, marked a lucrative period for Putin's friends and allies. Through the sell-off of Soviet state industries and a spike in oil prices in the early 2000s, these individuals accumulated vast fortunes. This oligarchic dominance led to a disproportionate distribution of wealth, doing less than expected for the general population's benefit. Notably, Vladimir Putin emerged as the man who gained the most, with an estimated net worth of $200 billion in 2018, dwarfing the fortunes of Jeff Bezos and Bill Gates.