Russian Billionaire's Ex-Wife Seeks Record-Breaking $740 Million in UK Divorce Settlement
Natalia Potanina is pursuing a multi-billion-pound claim against mining tycoon Vladimir Potanin, with a trial set for London next month.
History could be made at the Royal Courts of Justice next month as the ex-wife of Russian billionaire Vladimir Potanin seeks approximately £603 million, potentially setting a new record for the largest divorce settlement in Britain. Natalia Potanina is demanding £150 million for a new home and a further £441 million for a maintenance fund as part of a larger claim against her former husband, a mining tycoon.
The figures were disclosed in a court judgment ahead of a 15-day trial scheduled to begin in London in November. The former couple, who were married for 30 years after meeting as teenagers, have been engaged in a legal dispute since divorcing in Russia in 2014.
Potanin, 65, amassed his fortune after the collapse of the Soviet Union and controls a significant business empire, including a major stake in Norilsk Nickel. Forbes estimates his wealth at $22 billion.
Potanin's lawyers have argued that Natalia's demands are disproportionate under Russian law. The Russian courts previously awarded her half the value of assets held directly by her former husband, but excluded wealth held through companies and trusts. The previous record for a divorce settlement in Britain was £554 million awarded to Princess Haya bint Al Hussein in her divorce from Dubai ruler Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum in 2021.
Natalia has stated that the breakdown of their marriage was a shock, occurring after her husband began another relationship. The couple share three children.
