We estimate Potanin to be worth $26.4 billion, making him the 51st-wealthiest person in the world.
“We are seeing Potanin not only as the dealmaker but also as the consummate political insider in Russia,” says Stanislav Markus, a professor at the University of South Carolina with expertise on Russian oligarchs, told Forbes in April as Potanin, a long-time ally of Russian President Vladimir Putin, bought up assets impacted by international sanctions on Russia and its wealthiest individuals.
The United Kingdom sanctioned Potanin in June, while the European Union has yet to announce any measures against the billionaire. The Wall Street Journal reported on the U.S.’ plans to sanction Potanin on Wednesday. Interros also bought a 35% stake in Tinkoff Bank in April, taking over the stake of Oleg Tinkov, one of the few oligarchs to criticize the invasion of Ukraine. Nickel prices rose to all-time highs this spring amid uncertainty about how sanctions may impact Norilsk Nickel, the largest nickel miner in the world.