How Many Billionaires Are There In Russia

Let’s talk about Russian billionaires. It’s a juicy topic, like a Russian doll full of cash. Seriously, who doesn’t love a good oligarch story?

First, the big number: How many are there? It changes faster than a Moscow traffic light. In 2024, Forbes counted about 125 billionaires in Russia.

That’s a lot of zeros. But wait—it’s actually down from before the war in Ukraine. Dozens of them lost their billionaire badges. Ouch.

So, where did they go? Some moved to Dubai. Others vanished into the Swiss mountains. A few even renounced their Russian citizenship. No joke.

The Usual Suspects

You know the names: Potanin, Abramovich, Vekselberg. They’re like rock stars, but with yachts. These guys control oil, metals, and maybe a little bit of the weather.

Vladimir Potanin is the richest Russian. He runs Norilsk Nickel. His net worth? Over $29 billion. That’s enough to buy every single copy of Monopoly. And still have change for a real estate empire.

Then there’s Alexei Mordashov. He owns steel mills. Imagine making billions from metal. He also has a thing for German football clubs. Because why not?

The Funny Part

Here’s a quirky fact: Seventy-five percent of Russian billionaires are self-made. That’s higher than in the US. No trust funds, just pure hustle. Or, you know, inside connections.

Another gem: The youngest Russian billionaire is 17 years old. Yes, 17. That’s an age when most kids can’t even drive. This kid inherited a chunk of a chemical company. Talk about a sweet 16 party.

Rich as Rockefeller: How Russia’s rich retained their wealth despite

And the oldest? He’s 87. That man has seen the Soviet Union rise and fall. He’s still counting his rubles. Probably with a Soviet-style calculator.

The War Effect

Sanctions are a party pooper. After the Ukraine invasion, many oligarchs lost half their wealth. Some got their yachts seized. Imagine watching your $200 million boat get towed away. Oof.

But don’t cry for them. They still have private jets. And multiple passports. And probably a backup bunker in Monaco. They’re fine.

Here’s a wild stat: Total wealth of Russia’s billionaires in 2023 was $505 billion. That’s more than the GDP of some countries. Like Belgium. Or like 3,000 circus elephants.

The Mystery Billionaires

Not everyone is on the list. Hidden billionaires are a thing. Some Russians keep their money in shell companies. Or in a massive painting by Malevich. Cash is so tacky.

There’s even a billionaire who claims to be a farmer. He grows wheat. But his farm is the size of a small European nation. He just “happens” to own a helicopter.

Then there’s the vodka tycoon. Yes, someone made billions on vodka. He’s basically a national hero. And he probably has a statue of himself. In his bathroom.

Richest People In Russia 2023 (Updated) - YouTube

Why This Is Fun

This topic is like a gossip column from Mars. It’s not just about money. It’s about power, drama, and yacht tracking. You can literally follow their boats on Twitter. It’s a sport.

Also, Russian billionaires love weird hobbies. One collects Fabergé eggs. Another has a pet lion. One guy bought a volcano in Iceland. A volcano.

And their weddings? Oh, they’re legendary. One oligarch’s daughter had a $10 million wedding. With Justin Timberlake performing. That’s more than the GDP of a small island.

The Bottom Line

So, how many billionaires in Russia? About 125. But the real answer is “it’s complicated.” Some are hiding. Some are exiled. Some are just really good at playing chess with Putin.

What’s the takeaway? Wealth is weird. And Russian billionaires are the weirdest of the weird. They survive sanctions, wars, and global scandals. They’re like cockroaches, but with better suits.

Next time you sip a martini, think of them. Those 125 people own more than most countries. They also own the world’s largest collection of gold toilets. Probably.

Curious yet? Go check a yacht tracker. You won’t regret it. Just don’t forget to laugh.