Lukashenko Met With Russia's Second-richest Oligarch

• 8.09.2026, 12:15

The dictator and the businessman discussed “collaboration in the machine-building industry.”

Lukashenko held a meeting with Vladimir Potanin , chairman of the board of Norilsk Nickel . This was reported on September 8 by the press service of the Belarusian usurper.

The dictator and the businessman discussed “joint work in the machine-building industry.”

Lukashenko’s press service noted that the day before, BELAZ and “Nornickel” had signed a cooperation agreement. According to the state news agency BELTA, the companies plan to jointly develop next-generation mining equipment, introduce unmanned technologies in the mining industry, and pursue other innovative projects.

To implement these projects, plans call for the creation of a joint venture, as well as a plant with a full-service repair facility. It will be engaged in the production, repair, and maintenance of underground mining equipment.

Vladimir Potanin is a Russian entrepreneur and billionaire, president of the Interros holding company and the mining and metallurgical company Norilsk Nickel. He ranks second on Forbes’ list of Russian billionaires. According to the publication’s data as of April 17, 2026, Potanin’s net worth is estimated at $29.7 billion.