On the day that Mikhail Khodorkovsky resigns from his prison cell as chairman of Yukos, Russia's largest oil company, the rating agencies are affirming their confidence in Russia's economic stability.
S&P has confirmed its 'BB' long-term foreign and 'BB+' long term currency sovereign credit ratings on Russia. This follows the decision taken last month by Moody's to bestow on Russia its first investment grade rating - Baa3 - since the calamitous year of debt-default in 1998.
Speculation had mounted that foreign investors - using the raters as a benchmark - would act adversely to Khodorkovsky's arrest; they will be cheered to learn how Yukos shares have increased significantly on news of the resignation.
S&Ps Russian ratings, according to the agency, will continue to be limited by two factors: continued structural, legal and economic issues, and the developing democratic culture alongside a centralised decision-making apparatus within the government. Despite these factors the agency remains positive over Russia's outlook.
There is, however, a caveat. Any further political upheavals may filter through to Russia's economic performance resulting in falling foreign investment and potentially ruinous capital outflows.
Khodorkovsky has his own problems.