Top 10 Richest Men In Russia According To Forbes (2025)

Hello my people! Let’s take a trip to the land of vodka, vast oil reserves, and snow-covered oligarch power—Russia. Today, we’re not just sipping tea and gossiping; we’re talking big money—like serious billions. Forbes has just updated its list of the top 10 richest men in Russia, and as a seasoned economics blogger from Nigeria, I’ll break it down for you in an intelligent yet street-wise tone.

Let’s dive into the vaults of these Russian billionaires, explore how they made their wealth, what sectors they dominate, and what lessons you—yes, you—can pick from their hustle.

1. Vladimir Lisin – $26.6 Billion

Industry: Steel & Transportation

Lisin, the chairman of NLMK Group, is one of Russia’s steel moguls. His steel empire exports tons of metal globally, including to places like Nigeria and other African markets. He also has stakes in freight and port logistics, making him a critical link in Russia's industrial chain.

What to learn? Diversify! Don’t just sit on one business; explore related ventures like logistics if you’re in manufacturing.

2. Leonid Mikhelson – $24.4 Billion

Industry: Natural Gas

Mikhelson is the CEO of Novatek, Russia’s largest independent gas producer. With energy prices bouncing like naira during election season, his wealth skyrocketed. Russia is a major player in global energy supply, and Mikhelson is one of the men pulling strings.

Business tip? Energy is gold—especially gas. Think long-term investments in energy, especially if you’re in a developing economy.

3. Vladimir Potanin – $23.7 Billion

Industry: Metals (Nickel)

This man is synonymous with Norilsk Nickel, the world’s top producer of refined nickel and palladium. These metals are crucial in EV batteries, tech devices, and catalytic converters. Despite political tensions, Potanin’s company continues to thrive.

From an economic standpoint, resource control equals economic power. Africa, take note.

4. Alexey Mordashov & Family – $23 Billion

Industry: Steel, Investments

Chairman of Severstal, one of Russia’s largest steelmakers, Mordashov also has a diversified investment portfolio. He’s dabbled in tourism, machinery, and telecoms. Even Western sanctions haven’t slowed his family empire.

Nigerian wisdom says: "Don’t eat with one hand." Spread your sources of income. Mordashov did it, and he’s still standing tall.

5. Andrey Melnichenko – $22.4 Billion

Industry: Fertilizers & Energy

Melnichenko made his fortune in coal and fertilizers through EuroChem and SUEK. In recent years, agriculture-based products like fertilizers have seen major price hikes globally, especially due to supply chain issues and the Russia-Ukraine conflict.

This billionaire is a classic example of knowing your terrain. He focused on industries crucial to food and energy security.

6. Alisher Usmanov – $19.6 Billion

Industry: Telecoms & Investments

Although originally an Uzbek, Usmanov is a naturalized Russian citizen and a force in Russia’s economic landscape. From metals to tech and telecoms (he once owned a significant stake in MegaFon), Usmanov has been everywhere.

His diversified portfolio and strategic exits show the power of calculated investment. He’s the Dangote of Russia’s diversified wealth.

7. Gennady Timchenko – $17.6 Billion

Industry: Oil Trading & Infrastructure

Close to the Kremlin, Timchenko is the founder of Volga Group. His empire spans energy trading, infrastructure, and construction. Despite international sanctions, this man’s wallet keeps getting fatter.

His journey teaches us the importance of influence and government relations—something every businessperson in Nigeria understands well.

8. Vagit Alekperov – $17.5 Billion

Industry: Oil (Lukoil)

The former president of Lukoil, Alekperov has made billions refining and selling crude oil. Though he stepped down from active leadership due to international pressure, he remains a heavyweight.

Oil remains Russia’s cash cow. If you're in Nigeria and thinking big, the oil and gas sector still has room for visionary minds.

9. Roman Abramovich – $14.5 Billion

Industry: Investments, Real Estate, Metals

Most of us know him as the former owner of Chelsea FC, but Abramovich is much more than a football boss. He has major interests in Evraz (a steel producer) and various real estate assets across the globe.

This man is the perfect example of turning influence into global wealth. He leveraged sports, politics, and industry to grow his empire.

10. Suleiman Kerimov & Family – $13 Billion

Industry: Gold Mining (Polyus Gold)

Kerimov’s wealth comes from stakes in Polyus, one of the world’s largest gold producers. He’s kept a relatively low profile but his family wealth is solidified by gold.

Gold is a timeless asset. No matter how digital the world gets, gold remains a stronghold of value. Nigerians investing in crypto, think long-term: physical assets matter too.

Common Threads Among Russian Billionaires

If you take a step back and look at these men, some patterns become clear:

1. Resource Control: Most of these billionaires made their money in metals, oil, gas, and mining. Russia’s natural resources are their goldmine.

2. Government Ties: Let’s not pretend—most of them maintain strategic relationships with the Russian government. Business in Russia, like in Nigeria, is often intertwined with politics.

3. Diversification: They don’t put all their eggs in one basket. Whether it’s steel, telecoms, energy, or even football clubs—they invest across sectors.

4. Global Reach: From Africa to Europe, their businesses transcend Russia. That’s how you secure your wealth beyond national borders.

Lessons for Ambitious Entrepreneurs

Whether you’re running a cyber café in Ibadan, exporting palm oil from Aba, or developing fintech apps in Lagos, there’s something to learn from these Russian billionaires:

• Control your local resources. Are you sitting on a goldmine of talent or local materials? Exploit it wisely.

• Build influence. It matters who you know. Build strategic partnerships.

• Invest broadly. Don’t rely on one business; reinvest in related ventures.

• Think globally. If these men can operate beyond Russia, you too can go global with the right strategy.

Final Thoughts

There you have it—Russia’s top 10 richest men, dissected through the lens of a Nigerian economist. These men are shaping not just the Russian economy but also leaving footprints in global markets. From steel and gas to gold and football clubs, they’ve built empires that even sanctions couldn’t shake.

So my fellow hustlers and dreamers, take these lessons to heart. You don’t need to be born into wealth to create generational riches. All you need is vision, strategy, and a touch of wisdom from observing the big boys.

Let’s keep dreaming big. Who knows? Maybe someday Forbes will list a few more Nigerians right next to these Russian moguls.