While the offensive of Russian bombings It is intensified and Russia crosses New red linesthe international community (including USA) threatens these days with increase sanctions and blocks to the Russian economy. However, far from accusing the slightest wear after three years of blockages, Russian Milmillonarios have not stopped increasing their personal fortunes. It has been so much that in 2025 they have broken a joint fortune record adding 625.5 billion dollars.
Russian fortunes boom in the midst of sanctions. In the last year, the total wealth of Russian billionaires has increased more than eight percent, placing a record of 625.5 billion dollars, according to published data by Forbes. This growth in its assets occurred despite the severe economic sanctions imposed by Europe and the USA After the invasion of Ukraine.
In fact, the list of Millionaires of Forbes not only reveals that the fortunes increased, but after three years of war conflict, Russia increased The number of Milmillonarios, ascending to 140 peoplecompared to The 125 millmillonarios that the publication registered in 2024.
Who leads the ranking of fortunes. According to the Russian edition of Forbes, Vagit Alekperovformer president of the oil company Lukoil, occupies the first place among the rushest Russians, with a fortune valued at 28.7 billion dollars. Alekperov has maintained this position on the list for the second consecutive year, despite having left the company’s address after receiving sanctions from the United Kingdom in 2022. He follows closely Alexey Mordashoventrepreneur of the metallurgical and energy sector, which has promoted second place with 28.6 billion dollars, improving its position compared to the previous year.
In the top three, also figure Leonid Míjelsonwith a fortune of 28.4 billion dollars, thanks to its participation in Novatek (main gasist in Russia) and Sibur (petrochemical industry). Other usual names on the list are Vladimir Lisin, Vladimir Potanin and Guennadi Tombko, all with assets exceeding 20 billion dollars, thus consolidating the Energy sector weight and natural resources in the ranking of Russian wealth.
New faces and rising sectors. The list of Russian Millionaires of Forbes includes new incorporations, which reflects the revitalization of different industries, despite the war economy that, according to the Latest bank reportsHe is damaging his economy. OK To what is published by The Moscow TimesRussian millionaires earned $ 22.5 billion only in the first six months of 2025.
Among the newcomers stands out Vikram Puniaowner of the Pharmasyntez pharmacist, who debuts with 2.1 billion dollars, becoming the richest of the new members.
These new millionaires come from varied sectors, covering from the pharmaceutical industry and food to technology and The energy. According to The data of ForbesRussia is the fifth country to the generation of new millmillionaires, being the United States, Germany, China and India the countries that lead the list of new additions.
The lucrative war industry. A good part of the “miracle” of enriching itself in an economy under international blockages is explained by the close relationship Of these great fortunes with sectors linked to the defense industry and key raw materials for the country’s military apparatus.
Russian billionaires come from industries Like oilgas, metallurgy – specially steel, nickel, aluminum and titanium – as well as technological and pharmaceutical companies, where state demand has shot in the current war context. The official expenditure in Russian defense will be at about 119,000 million euros in 2025, mainly financed by the Export of fossil fuels.
These oligarchs, Far from distancing yourself Del Kremlin, have strengthened their loyalty, adapting their companies to supply materials, technology and military industry, as it was broken down into the Published research by Proekt.
Sanctions? What sanctions. As seen on several occasions When trying to seize yachts And properties, avoiding international sanctions has been another key to economic success for this elite. Such and As they pointed out from Fortuneoligarchs resort to sophisticated financial structures, using fiscal paradises and allied countries free of sanctions and the creation of alternative channels such as cryptocurrencies.
This has generated A debate About the real efficacy of sanctions to hit the Russian economic elite and the limitations of international tools to stop the boom of these heritage.
Image | KremlinUnspash (Matthew Lancaster)
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