A high-profile divorce case involving Russian billionaire Vladimir Potanin is set to proceed in London next month, with his ex-wife Natalia Potanina seeking a sum exceeding £600 million. The forthcoming trial at the Royal Courts of Justice marks what could become the largest divorce settlement in British legal history.
Potanina, who was married to Potanin for three decades before their divorce in Russia in 2014, is pursuing a total claim of £603 million. This amount includes £150 million for a new residence and £441 million to cover ongoing maintenance and living expenses. The couple, who met as teenagers and have three children together, have been engaged in a protracted legal dispute over the division of Potanin’s vast fortune.
Potanin, 65, amassed his wealth following the collapse of the Soviet Union and holds significant stakes across various enterprises, including a controlling interest in mining firm Norilsk Nickel. Forbes estimates his net worth at approximately £22 billion, placing him among the world’s richest individuals.
According to legal filings disclosed in advance of the trial, Potanin’s lawyers argue that the financial demands are disproportionate to any level of need under Russian law. They have contested the scale of the claim, which goes beyond the court’s prior rulings in Russia. The Russian courts awarded Potanina half the value of assets held directly by Potanin but excluded substantial wealth held through corporate and trust structures.
The breakdown of the marriage reportedly followed Potanin’s engagement in a separate relationship, which Potanina has described as a painful and unexpected development. The legal battle over the division of assets has highlighted complex issues related to the localization of wealth and enforcement of foreign judgments.
If Potanina’s claim is successful, it would surpass the previous record for a divorce settlement in the United Kingdom, currently held by Princess Haya bint Al Hussein. In 2021, she was awarded £554 million in her divorce from Dubai ruler Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum.
The upcoming 15-day trial will focus on Potanina’s entitlement to spousal support and the appropriate valuation of Potanin’s wealth for settlement purposes. The case continues to draw attention due to the size of the claim and the prominence of the individuals involved.