Court Battle Intensifies Over Russian Oligarch's Massive Fortune

A Moscow court has barred Natalia Potanina, ex-wife of Russian oligarch Vladimir Potanin, from pursuing legal proceedings abroad against him, according to court documents released on Monday. This follows a London court's previous decision allowing her to continue her claim in Britain, marking one of the most expensive divorce cases ever filed. Potanin, at the helm of Norilsk Nickel, the largest palladium producer globally, initiated the lawsuit on February 18, seeking to restrict Potanina from using foreign courts for her claims.

During a closed session, the Moscow court ruled in Potanin's favor. Representatives from both parties declined to comment on the ruling. Last September, London's Court of Appeal ruled that Potanina could file her claim in Britain, having largely severed her ties with Russia. Her legal pursuits follow their 2014 divorce, with claims on 50% of Potanin's interests in Norilsk Nickel shares.

Potanin, considered Russia's second-wealthiest business figure with a fortune of $29.7 billion, reportedly reduced his 37% Nornickel stake to 33.51% recently. Potanina additionally seeks 50% of dividends paid to Potanin since their split and a premium Russian property. While Potanin claimed she received $84 million, her lawyers argue she received significantly less post-divorce.

(With inputs from agencies.)