The former wife of one of Russia’s wealthiest individuals is moving forward with a record-breaking divorce settlement in England. Natalia Potanina is pursuing a £5 billion claim against Vladimir Potanin, whose net worth is estimated at $20 billion, approximately £15.7 billion. Legal proceedings began in 2019, and Ms. Potanina recently secured approval from the Court of Appeal to proceed with her multibillion-pound demand from her ex-husband, who faces sanctions for his role in the conflict in Ukraine.
Ms. Potanina resided in a lavish mansion resembling Versailles near Moscow with her ex-husband, enjoying vacations on luxury yachts in the Mediterranean and Cap d’Antibes. The split was initiated in 2013 when Mr. Potanin disclosed his desire to separate after an affair with a subordinate. The ongoing legal battle, spanning over a decade, stemmed from Ms. Potanina’s refusal to sign the divorce papers initially, as her estranged husband claimed she did not require financial support.
Seeking half of her former spouse’s wealth amassed during their marriage, Ms. Potanina emphasized their humble beginnings as Soviet students in the 1970s. The dispute revolves around the family’s estate in Nemchinovo, located 17 miles west of Moscow, featuring a designer garden, casino, spa, and renowned artworks. While their adult children Anastasia, Ivan, and Vasily shared the estate, Ms. Potanina has resided in London since 2014.
Reflecting on societal norms in Russia, Ms. Potanina acknowledged the male-dominated environment and declared her feminist stance. She recounted their modest origins and marriage during a financially constrained period, contrasting with Mr. Potanin’s later wealth accumulation through shares in Norilsk Nickel and property assets. Despite initial dismissals, the recent Court of Appeal ruling favored Ms. Potanina’s claim, affirming her entitlement to financial relief following the divorce.
The legal battle, entwined with jurisdictional debates, has traversed various court levels, with conflicting narratives on the separation timeline. The recent ruling underscores Ms. Potanina’s pursuit of a significant share of the marital assets, indicating a potential resolution to the prolonged legal saga.