A record 155 Russians appear on the 2026 Forbes Billionaires list, most of them based in Moscow. How many billionaires are in Russia, and who is the richest? The wealthiest is steel tycoon Alexei Mordashov, who overtook Vagit Alekperov and Vladimir Potanin in 2026. This guide profiles the nation's richest and where they are based.
Russia is home to many ultra-wealthy billionaires, with the majority of them located in Moscow. These billionaires have made their fortunes in a variety of industries, including metals and mining, energy, oil, gas, chemicals, and steel.
How many billionaires are in Russia?
As of 2026, a record 155 Russians appear on the Forbes World’s Billionaires list, up from 146 the previous year and the fourth consecutive year of growth. Their combined net worth is estimated at about $695.5 billion. The majority are based in Moscow.
Top 5 Billionaires in Russia 2026
Who has the highest net worth in Russia? The 2026 Forbes ranking reshuffled the top of the list: steel tycoon Alexei Mordashov overtook Vagit Alekperov and Vladimir Potanin to become Russia’s richest person. The five individuals below remain among the wealthiest Russians, though their relative order has shifted from prior years.
1. Vladimir Potanin
Vladimir Potanin, born in 1961, is a self-made billionaire whose primary source of wealth is the metals and mining industry, through his control of Norilsk Nickel. As of 2026, Potanin is worth about $29.7 billion, ranking him the second-richest person in Russia.
2. Vladimir Lisin
Vladimir Lisin, born in 1956, is a self-made billionaire whose business interests span the metals, mining and steel industries, principally through his majority stake in Novolipetsk Steel (NLMK), Russia’s largest steelmaker. As of 2026, Lisin is worth about $25.5 billion, placing him around 101st in the world and among the top six richest Russians.
3. Leonid Mikhelson & family
Leonid Mikhelson, born in 1955, is a self-made billionaire whose main source of wealth is the energy sector, specifically gas and chemicals, through his stake in natural-gas producer Novatek. As of 2026, Mikhelson and his family are worth about $28.3 billion, ranking among the top four richest Russians.
4. Alexey Mordashov & family
Alexey Mordashov is a self-made Russian billionaire born in 1965. His business interests are mainly in the steel, iron-ore mining and metals sectors, primarily through Severstal. As of 2026, Mordashov and his family are worth about $37 billion, making him the richest person in Russia after his fortune rose roughly $8.4 billion over the previous year.
5. Vagit Alekperov
Vagit Alekperov was born in 1950 and is a self-made billionaire. His business operates in the energy and oil industries, and his wealth is sourced primarily from Lukoil, Russia’s largest private oil company. As of 2026, Alekperov is worth about $29.5 billion, ranking him the third-richest person in Russia.
Sources:
Forbes World’s Billionaires List 2026
The Moscow Times: Record 155 Russians Make Forbes Billionaires List (2026)
The Barents Observer: Top four on Forbes Russia billionaires list (2026)
Last updated: June 19, 2026
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