Russian Billionaire's Ex-Wife Seeks Record-Breaking Settlement in London Divorce Case

History may be made at the Royal Courts of Justice next month as the ex-wife of Russian billionaire Vladimir Potanin seeks over £600 million in a divorce settlement. Natalia Potanina is demanding £150 million for a new home and a £441 million maintenance fund, totaling £603 million, as part of a multi-billion-pound claim against her former husband.

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 met as teenagers and were married for 30 years, have been engaged in legal proceedings since divorcing in Russia in 2014.

Vladimir Potanin, 65, amassed his fortune in the years following the collapse of the Soviet Union and controls a significant business empire, including a substantial stake in the mining giant Norilsk Nickel. Forbes estimates his wealth at £22 billion, making him one of Russia's wealthiest individuals.

Potanin's lawyers have argued that Natalia's demands are disproportionate to any level of need under Russian law. The core of the dispute centers on the division of Potanin's vast wealth. While Russian courts awarded Natalia half the value of assets held directly by Vladimir, much of his wealth, held through various companies and trusts, was excluded from that division.

Natalia Potanina has asserted that the breakdown of their marriage was a profound shock, occurring after her husband began a new relationship. The couple share three children.

This potential settlement could surpass the previous record set in 2021, when Princess Haya bint Al Hussein was awarded £554 million in her divorce from Dubai ruler Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum.