Russia, a vast nation rich in natural resources and heavy industry, remains home to some of the world’s wealthiest and most influential entrepreneurs. Despite geopolitical challenges and economic sanctions in recent years, Russian billionaires have maintained substantial fortunes by dominating sectors like energy, metals, finance, and technology. If you’ve been wondering: Who are the richest people in Russia in 2025? What are their net worth figures in U.S. dollars? How did they accumulate their wealth? Which industries do they control? How do they spend their money? And what challenges lie ahead for them? You are in the right place!
This article explores the top 10 richest people in Russia in 2025 and their net worth, answering these questions and more.
In this article, we take a detailed look at the top 10 richest individuals in Russia, delving into their business empires, financial journeys, and economic impact. By the end, you’ll have a clear picture of how these titans of industry built their wealth and continue to influence both Russia and the global economy.
Who Are the Top 10 Richest People in Russia in 2025?
These billionaires are not only immensely wealthy but also pivotal in shaping Russia’s industrial and financial landscape. Their stories reveal how natural resources, savvy investments, and diversification have created lasting fortunes. Understanding their paths offers valuable insights into wealth creation in Russia’s complex economic environment.
Below is an overview of the top 10 richest people in Russia in 2025, along with their estimated net worth in U.S. dollars. Their wealth stems from varied industries including oil and gas, metals, technology, retail, and finance.
Profiles of the Top 10 Richest People in Russia in 2025
1. Alexey Mordashov – Net Worth: $32 Billion
Who is Alexey Mordashov?
Mordashov is the chairman and majority shareholder of Severstal, one of Russia’s largest steel producers. He also owns major stakes in tourism, financial services, and agriculture.
How did he make his money?
His wealth originated in steel manufacturing and expanded into diversified holdings, including coal mining and banking.
Financial Journey
Starting from a modest background, Mordashov acquired Severstal in the 1990s and transformed it into a global steel powerhouse.
Fun Fact
Despite his fortune, Mordashov is known for a low-profile lifestyle and rarely appears in media.
2. Leonid Mikhelson – Net Worth: $29 Billion
Who is Leonid Mikhelson?
Mikhelson is the CEO and principal owner of Novatek, Russia’s largest independent natural gas producer.
How did he make his money?
He built his fortune through strategic development of energy infrastructure and a major share in Sibur, Russia’s biggest petrochemical firm.
Financial Journey
Mikhelson’s rise is a story of energy sector expertise and long-term investment in LNG export projects.
Fun Fact
He is also a significant art collector, with a private gallery in Moscow.
3. Vladimir Lisin – Net Worth: $28 Billion
Who is Vladimir Lisin?
Lisin is the chairman of NLMK Group, a leading Russian steelmaker.
How did he make his money?
Lisin’s wealth comes primarily from the steel industry, along with investments in transport and logistics.
Financial Journey
He climbed from a railway engineer to one of Russia’s richest entrepreneurs through savvy acquisitions.
Fun Fact
Lisin is passionate about equestrian sports and owns several racehorses.
4. Vagit Alekperov – Net Worth: $22 Billion
Who is Vagit Alekperov?
Founder and former president of Lukoil, Russia’s second-largest oil company.
How did he make his money?
His fortune grew with the rise of Lukoil during post-Soviet privatization of the oil sector.
Financial Journey
Alekperov started as an oil engineer and led Lukoil to become an international energy giant.
Fun Fact
He is a strong supporter of medical and educational philanthropy in Russia.
5. Alisher Usmanov – Net Worth: $19 Billion
Who is Alisher Usmanov?
A business magnate with interests spanning metals, telecommunications, and technology.
How did he make his money?
His investments include major holdings in Metalloinvest and stakes in internet companies like Mail.ru Group.
Financial Journey
Usmanov built his empire through strategic diversification and acquisitions in key industries.
Fun Fact
He is a renowned art collector with one of Russia’s largest private collections.
6. Roman Abramovich – Net Worth: $16 Billion
Who is Roman Abramovich?
Famous for owning the English football club Chelsea, Abramovich is also a major investor in metals, oil, and real estate.
How did he make his money?
His fortune was made during the 1990s through the oil and aluminum sectors.
Financial Journey
Abramovich became a symbol of Russia’s new wealth during the post-Soviet era.
Fun Fact
He is also an accomplished sailor and philanthropist.
7. Mikhail Fridman – Net Worth: $15 Billion
Who is Mikhail Fridman?
Co-founder of Alfa Group, one of Russia’s largest private investment groups.
How did he make his money?
Fridman’s investments cover banking, telecoms, retail, and oil.
Financial Journey
From founding a bank in the early 1990s, he expanded into one of Russia’s most diversified business empires.
Fun Fact
He is active in Jewish philanthropic efforts worldwide.
8. Andrey Melnichenko – Net Worth: $14 Billion
Who is Andrey Melnichenko?
Owner of fertilizer producer EuroChem and coal company SUEK.
How did he make his money?
Melnichenko built his fortune in commodities, focusing on fertilizers and coal mining.
Financial Journey
He developed EuroChem into a global leader in crop nutrients.
Fun Fact
Melnichenko owns several luxury yachts and is a patron of the arts.
9. Suleiman Kerimov – Net Worth: $11 Billion
Who is Suleiman Kerimov?
Investor and philanthropist with stakes in metals, banking, and energy sectors.
How did he make his money?
Kerimov acquired shares in gold mining giant Polyus Gold and has interests in banking.
Financial Journey
He grew wealth through shrewd acquisitions and capital management.
Fun Fact
Kerimov is known for funding cultural institutions and charity.
10. German Khan – Net Worth: $9 Billion
Who is German Khan?
A co-founder of Alfa Group, active in banking, telecom, and energy sectors.
How did he make his money?
Khan’s wealth is tied to Alfa Bank and telecom investments.
Financial Journey
He expanded business interests globally, focusing on emerging markets.
Fun Fact
Khan supports various educational initiatives and business incubators.
How Do the Richest People in Russia Make Their Money?
The richest Russians earn their wealth predominantly through:
Oil and natural gas production
Steel and metal manufacturing
Petrochemicals and fertilizers
Telecommunications and technology
Banking and finance
Real estate and infrastructure
These industries are central to Russia’s economy and global trade.
Challenges Faced by Russia’s Richest in 2025
Ongoing geopolitical tensions and sanctions
Currency fluctuations and inflation
International market restrictions
Domestic political shifts
Despite these hurdles, adaptability and strategic diversification remain key to sustaining wealth.
How Do Russia’s Richest People Spend Their Wealth?
Luxurious lifestyles including yachts, art, and real estate
Philanthropy in education, health, and culture
Investment in emerging technologies and startups
Supporting sports, especially football and equestrian events
Lessons from Russia’s Top 10 Richest People in 2025
Leverage natural resources strategically
Diversify across sectors and geographies
Adapt to global economic shifts
Invest in innovation and infrastructure
Maintain low profiles but impactful philanthropy
