Press Release, 9.01.2020

Despite the fact that last year the Russian economy grew by only 1 per cent and is still in the midst of a deep recession, this did not affect the growth of the welfare of Russian billionaires. They got good dividends in 2019. Thus, the total fortune of all Russian billionaires has grown by almost 53 billion dollars, which is a record high indicator for the past four years.

Once again, Vladimir Potanin, one of the key owners of Norilsk Nickel, came first in the list of the richest Russians: over the past year, he earned 8.5 billion dollars (an increase up to 28.2 billion). Leonid Mikhelson, co-owner of Novatek, was the second from the top (he became richer by 5.2 billion, his worth is estimated at 24.6 billion). Vagit Alekperov, co-owner of Lukoil, is the third richest Russian national: his capital grew by 6.22 billion (to 22.3 billion).

The top ten Russian billionaires also included: Vladimir Lisin, NLMK’s main beneficiary, with 21.3 billion dollars (an increase by 3.46 billion dollars), Alexei Mordashov (surplus of 2.51 billion dollars, overall his estate is estimated at 20 billion dollars), Gennady Timchenko, a stakeholder in Novatek and Sibur (plus  4.35 billion dollars, his total capital reached 18.2 billion), Alisher Usmanov (plus 2.51 billion, growth to 16.7 billion dollars), Roman Abramovich, Evraz (plus 2.1 billion dollars, total fortune estimated at 16.2 billion dollars), Andrey Melnichenko, beneficiary of EuroChem and SUEK (plus 2.83 billion dollars, his fortunes grew up to 15.3 billion dollars) and, finally, Viktor Vekselberg, the key owner of Renova (plus 1.67 billion, his capital increased to 14.8 billion).

NINA DUMNOVA

Is an economist, Chair of the regional branch of the Yabloko party in the Altai Republic.