Russia’s richest oligarchs grew their fortunes in 2023, despite heavy sanctions on their homeland related to its invasion of Ukraine, according to figures from the Bloomberg Billionaires Index.
The total wealth of Russians who made the exclusive list increased by $38.6 billion since January 1, according to the data.
Economic sanctions following Moscow’s invasion of Ukraine have failed to shake their fortunes – and in some cases may have helped fatten them up further.
All told, six Russians are among the world’s top 100 billionaires, according to Bloomberg’s list.
A total of 25 Russians are among the world’s 500 richest people, most of them involved in mining, oil and gas or dealing in precious metals.
Of those, only three saw their accounts decrease this year.
Their line is led by Vladimir Potanin at number 47, followed by Leonid Mikhelson at 52, Vagit Alekperov at 62, Vladimir Lisin at 72, Alisher Usmanov at 82 and Alexei Mordashov at 88.
Businessmen close to Russian President Vladimir Putin have seen their fortunes grow despite sanctions. AP
Nickel baron Potanin’s fortune jumped by $1.9 billion to $30.5 billion year to date, according to the outlet.
But the tycoon’s coffers could soon be hit by the ongoing divorce war with his estranged wife, Natalia Potanin, which is raging in England.
Natural gas magnate Mikhelson has seen his wealth jump to $27.2 billion by $2.5 billion this year so far, figures show.
Alekperov, the founder of oil and gas giant Lukoil, increased his fortune by $8.8 billion to $24.2 billion this year.
However, the three men have faced various sanctions from the West after Russian President Vladimir Putin launched an invasion of Ukraine.
The fortune of Lukoil founder Vagit Alekperov increased by almost $9 billion this year. Alexander Shcherbak/TASS/Sipa US billionaire Leonid Mikhelson increased his wealth by $2.5 billion since the beginning of this year. via REUTERS Alexei Mordashov ranks 88th on the list. BLOOMBERG NEWS Alisher Usmanov is among six Russians on the list of the world’s top 100 billionaires. EPA
According to reports, wealthy businessmen close to Russian strongmen have profited from the conflict through their support for increased weapons production.
Other prominent Russians on the list — many of whom have long spread their money and assets around the world in case of any domestic problems — also saw their treasure chests full.
Roman Abramovich, the former owner of British soccer club Chelsea, increased his total by $89 million for a total of $7.9 billion.
Former Brooklyn Nets owner Mikhail Prokhorov added $1.42 billion to his holdings this year, ahead of $11.8 billion.
Dilbar, the superyacht owned by Russian billionaire Alisher Usmanov, is shown in British waters. UCG/Universal Image Group via G
While they may be worth billions, the life expectancy of Russian businessmen who are unpopular with Putin and his cronies could be dramatically reduced.
At least a dozen Russian businessmen died under mysterious circumstances in 2022 alone, according to NPR, with at least five apparently taking their own lives with little warning and a few clumsy “accidents” befalling others, as reported by CNN .
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Source: thtrangdai.edu.vn/en/
