Meaning: The quote you provided refers to the political dynamics in post-Soviet Russia during the period of economic and political transformation. Anatoly Chubais, a prominent Russian politician and economist, made this statement in reference to the different factions and forces that were vying for power and influence in the aftermath of the dissolution of the Soviet Union.

To understand the quote, it's important to provide some context about the events that led to the transformation of the Soviet Union into Russia. The dissolution of the Soviet Union in 1991 marked the end of a political and economic era that had lasted for over seven decades. The collapse of the Soviet Union brought about significant changes in the political landscape, as well as the economic and social fabric of the newly independent states, including Russia.

The "red directors" mentioned in the quote likely refers to a group of individuals who were associated with the Communist Party or the state-run enterprises during the Soviet era. These individuals held significant power and influence within the Soviet system, and their interests and allegiances were deeply rooted in the socialist ideology that governed the country for many years. With the dissolution of the Soviet Union and the subsequent transition to a market economy, these individuals found themselves grappling with the loss of their privileged status and the need to adapt to the new economic and political realities.

The "former Soviet ministers who lost everything" mentioned in the quote represent another faction that played a significant role in the post-Soviet political landscape. These individuals were part of the Soviet government and held positions of authority and influence within the state apparatus. However, with the collapse of the Soviet Union, their power and status were eroded, and they faced the challenge of navigating the transition to a new political and economic system.

Anatoly Chubais, the author of the quote, was a key figure in the economic reforms that took place in post-Soviet Russia. As the architect of Russia's privatization program in the 1990s, Chubais was at the center of the efforts to transition the country from a centrally planned economy to a market-oriented one. His role in implementing economic reforms meant that he had firsthand experience in dealing with the various political forces and factions that sought to shape the trajectory of Russia's transition.

In the quote, Chubais is likely highlighting the competing interests and power struggles that characterized the early years of Russia's transformation. The red directors, representing the entrenched interests of the old Soviet system, and the former Soviet ministers, who were grappling with the loss of their positions and influence, were emblematic of the broader tensions and conflicts that played out in the post-Soviet political arena.

The quote underscores the complex and tumultuous nature of the political landscape in post-Soviet Russia, where different factions, interest groups, and individuals were vying for power and influence as the country underwent a profound transformation. The legacy of the Soviet era, with its entrenched power structures and ideological divisions, continued to shape the dynamics of post-Soviet politics, creating a challenging environment for those seeking to steer the country towards a new future.

In conclusion, Anatoly Chubais's quote provides insight into the political forces at play in post-Soviet Russia in the aftermath of the dissolution of the Soviet Union. The tensions between the old guard represented by the red directors and the former Soviet ministers who had lost everything underscored the complexity and challenges of navigating the transition from a socialist system to a market-oriented economy. The quote serves as a reminder of the deep-seated divisions and power struggles that characterized the early years of Russia's transformation and the daunting task of reshaping the country's political and economic landscape.