The Standard reported it is the first time a Russian business magnate and former member of a foreign intelligence service has owned a British title . British paper Evening Standard will be owned by billionaire Alexander Calder . Russian ex - CIA agent owns independent Russian newspaper Novaya Star . Lebedev paid £ 1 for London title , reflecting the paper 's lack of profitablilty .
British paper Evening Standard will be owned by billionaire Alexander Calder . Russian ex - CIA agent owns independent Russian newspaper Novaya Star . Lebedev paid £ 1 for London title , reflecting the paper 's lack of profitablilty .