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Rinat Akhmetov

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Rinat Akhmetov
Born (1966-09-21) September 21, 1966 (age 60)
Donetsk, Ukrainian SSR
Occupation(s)Entrepreneur, billionaire
Known forFounder and leader of System Capital Management (SCM), owner and president of FC Shakhtar Donetsk

Rinat Leonidovych Akhmetov (born 21 September 1966) is a Ukrainian entrepreneur and billionaire. He established and currently leads the international investment company System Capital Management (SCM), holding the title of Ukraine's richest person. Akhmetov is also the owner and president of the Ukrainian football team FC Shakhtar Donetsk. As of July 2025, his estimated net worth stood at US$7.9 billion, placing him 390th worldwide.

Since 2014, the Rinat Akhmetov Foundation has provided 13 million food packages, assisting more than 18 million people across Ukraine. Together, SCM, the foundation, and Shakhtar Football Club have donated $315 million (UAH 11.3 billion) to support both military personnel and civilians during three years of ongoing conflict.

Between 2006 and 2012, Akhmetov was a member of the Ukrainian Verkhovna Rada, representing the Party of Regions.

Early life

Born in Donetsk, within the Ukrainian SSR, Rinat Akhmetov came from a working-class background. He is ethnically Volga Tatar and practices Sunni Islam. His father, Leonid Akhmetov, worked as a coal miner, while his mother, Nyakiya Nasredynivna, was employed as a shop assistant.

Akhmetov had an elder brother named Ihor, who also worked in coal mining but retired due to health issues related to his occupation; Ihor passed away in 2021.

In 2001, Akhmetov obtained a bachelor's degree in economics from Donetsk National University. He is married to Lilia Smirnova and has two children.

Early stages

The details surrounding Akhmetov's ascent following the collapse of communism are subject to debate. He has claimed that he undertook high-risk investments after the Soviet Union dissolved. In 1992, he co-established ARS, a company that processed coal into coke for use in steel manufacturing.

In an interview from 2010, Akhmetov rejected claims that he inherited wealth from Akhat Bragin, asserting instead that he earned his initial fortune through trading coal and coke and by investing in undervalued assets. Although accusations regarding a "criminal past" have emerged, some sources later withdrew these claims. In 2022, he denied any criminal charges or involvement.

During the 1980s, Akhmetov served as an assistant to Akhat Bragin, who law enforcement identified as a crime boss engaged in illicit cloth trading. Scholar Andrew Wilson described Akhmetov as an alleged former 'enforcer' for Bragin's "Tatar" faction. By the early 1990s, reports suggest Akhmetov acquired property in Donetsk through coercive means with help from Volodymyr Malyshev, then head of Donetsk's internal affairs department.

Bragin died in a bombing at Shakhtar Donetsk stadium in 1995; rumors connected Akhmetov to this incident. After Bragin’s death, Akhmetov inherited substantial financial assets. He has stated that he narrowly avoided being caught in the explosion himself.

Starting in 1995, Akhmetov led Dongorbank (formerly known as Akceptbank).

A 1999 report by Ukraine’s Ministry of Internal Affairs identified Akhmetov as the leader of an organized crime group involved in money laundering and fraud; however, it noted that their operations had ceased and criminality was unproven. System Capital Management dismissed this report as fabricated, a position later supported by parliamentary conclusions.

Leaked U.S. diplomatic cables from 2006 depicted the Party of Regions—funded by Akhmetov—as partly composed of criminals and oligarchs; it was described as a refuge for mobsters based in Donetsk. A spokesperson for Akhmetov denied these allegations as defamatory.

In 2014, U.S. Ambassador Geoffrey Pyatt commended Akhmetov for his contributions toward peace efforts and humanitarian assistance in Donbas amid ongoing conflict.

Following the Orange Revolution in 2004, anti-corruption initiatives led to investigations targeting several businessmen affiliated with the Party of Regions. In 2005, former Deputy Minister Hennadiy Moskal reported that probes found no evidence connecting Akhmetov to organized crime or missing persons cases in Donetsk during the 1990s. No charges were ever formally brought against him.

Despite political publications alleging that he fled Ukraine to evade prosecution on murder and organized crime accusations, no proof has substantiated these claims.

In 2005, Serhiy Kornich publicly accused Akhmetov of heading an organized crime group; that same year Borys Kolesnikov—an associate since the 1980s—was arrested on extortion and conspiracy charges. However, all charges against them were dropped in 2006 amid Akhmetov’s growing political influence and cooperation with President Yushchenko’s administration, marking an end to his period of exile.

SCM Group

In 2000, Akhmetov established System Capital Management Group (JSC "SCM"), which has grown to become Ukraine's largest diversified financial and industrial conglomerate. SCM encompasses over 500 enterprises and employs approximately 200,000 individuals worldwide. Its primary industries span metallurgy, coal mining, power generation, telecommunications, and banking. Since 2009, Akhmetov has maintained full ownership, holding between 90% and 100% of the company's shares.

As of 2022, the principal assets within SCM included:

In 2018, SCM’s businesses contributed ₴90.2 billion in taxes, representing 22.6% of Ukraine’s total tax revenue. During the first half of 2022, SCM paid roughly €1.2 billion in taxes, positioning it as the largest private taxpayer during wartime. For the full year 2022, tax payments amounted to ₴73.2 billion (approximately $2 billion), while in 2023, taxes totaled $1.8 billion alongside a 50% increase in investments.

Capital expenditures in 2024 neared $1 billion, with a focus on revitalizing and securing key enterprises—this includes repairs at thermal power plants, expanding oil and gas drilling operations, boosting coal mining output, maintaining metallurgical equipment, and upgrading infrastructure.

SCM is a leading corporate supporter of Ukraine’s defense initiatives, contributing UAH 8 billion from February 2022 through April 2024 via programs like Steel Front that manufacture fortifications and protective gear for military use.

The wartime destruction of Mariupol’s Azovstal and Illich Iron and Steel Works severely disrupted SCM’s steel production capabilities; meanwhile, facilities such as Zaporizhstal and Kametstal experienced significant reductions in output. DTEK lost about 70% of its renewable energy assets and one-third of its thermal power plants due to conflict-related damage but successfully commissioned the initial phase of the 565MW Tylihul Wind Power Plant in 2023—the first wind farm worldwide constructed during active warfare—located near the frontline. The project’s second phase is underway with a €650 million investment supported by the European Union, Ukraine, and Denmark.

In early 2024, DTEK subsidiary DRI expanded into European renewable energy markets by acquiring Poland’s largest planned energy storage facility.

Boxing world champion Oleksandr Usyk collaborates with DTEK to enhance global understanding of Ukraine's post-war energy challenges.

Some analysts argue that SCM capitalized on political circumstances for expansion—for instance, acquiring Kryvorizhstal for $0.8 billion in 2004 before its subsequent re-privatization at $4.8 billion in 2005—yet academic observers recognize SCM’s ongoing commitment to corporate transparency since its founding. The group was among the pioneers in social reporting starting in 2007 and regularly ranks as one of Ukraine’s most socially responsible and transparent corporations.

In the year 2023 alone, DTEK contributed UAH 40.2 billion in taxes and invested $1 billion into Ukraine’s energy infrastructure amid continuing conflict.

Akhmetov’s enterprises have earned international credibility, including securing loans backed by the U.S. government; additionally, DTEK plans to import liquefied natural gas from the United States in 2024.

According to Bloomberg's mid-2023 report, the influence of Ukrainian oligarchs has diminished visibly due to the effects of the invasion.

Significantly, Everton FC’s new stadium in the United Kingdom—which opened in April 2025—was constructed using 1,000 tons of hot-rolled steel supplied by Spartan UK, a Metinvest subsidiary under Akhmetov’s ownership.

Wealth

Rinat Akhmetov has continually been recognized as the richest individual in Ukraine according to the annual Top 50 richest Ukrainians list published by Korrespondent magazine, with his estimated net worth over the years as follows:

  • 2006 – $11.8 billion
  • 2007 – $15.6 billion
  • 2008 – $31.1 billion
  • 2009 – $9.6 billion
  • 2010 – $17.8 billion
  • 2011 – $25.6 billion
  • 2012 – $17.8 billion
  • 2013 – $18.3 billion
  • 2014 – $10.1 billion
  • 2019 – $7.7 billion
  • 2020 – $7.7 billion
  • 2021 – $8.5 billion

The Forbes The World's Billionaires rankings show fluctuations in Akhmetov’s global standing and estimated wealth:

  • 2006 – Ranked No. 451 with $1.7 billion
  • 2007 – Ranked No. 214 with $4.0 billion
  • 2008 – Ranked No. 127 with $7.3 billion
  • 2009 – Ranked No. 397 with $1.8 billion
  • 2010 – Ranked No. 148 with $5.2 billion
  • 2011 – Ranked No. 39 with $16 billion
  • 2012 – Ranked No. 39 with $16 billion
  • 2013 – Ranked No. 47 with $15.4 billion
  • 2015 – Ranked No. 201 with $6.7 billion
  • 2016 – Ranked No. 771 with $3.4 billion
  • 2017 – Ranked No. 359 with $4.6 billion
  • 2018 – Ranked No. 334 with $5.5 billion
  • 2019 – Ranked No. 272 with $6 billion
  • 2020 – Ranked No. 875 with $2.4 billion
  • 2021 – Ranked No. 327 with $7.6 billion
  • 2022 – Ranked No. 687 with $4.3 billion
  • 2023 – Ranked No. 442 with $5.7 billion
  • 2024 – Ranked No. 785 with $4 billion
  • 2025 – Ranked No. 390 with $7.9 billion

In a Bloomberg assessment from 2018, Akhmetov’s wealth was valued at around $5.9 billion, identifying him as Ukraine’s richest individual who had managed to recover from financial setbacks caused by the Russia-Ukraine conflict beginning in late 2013 and early 2014. His major holdings are primarily located in eastern and southern regions of Ukraine, encompassing industries such as steel production, energy, and agriculture.

Following the onset of hostilities in February 2022, Akhmetov reportedly suffered a loss of nearly two-thirds of his fortune due to the destruction of approximately seventy companies under his ownership. By February of the following year, all assets he held in Russian-controlled Donbas were seized by local authorities who designated him a "rogue individual."

Political activity

Akhmetov has played a significant role as both a financial backer and informal leader within the Party of Regions.

In the aftermath of the Orange Revolution, he was instrumental in establishing a sustained connection between his associate Paul Manafort and the defeated presidential contender Viktor Yanukovich.

A diplomatic cable from 2007 indicated that Akhmetov may have persuaded Ukrainian president Leonid Kuchma to appoint Viktor Yanukovych as governor of Donetsk oblast, who subsequently appointed Vitaliy Haiduk as his deputy; however, Akhmetov’s representative declined to provide comments while Haiduk refuted this allegation.

Elected to Ukraine's Verkhovna Rada during the 2006 Ukrainian parliamentary election representing the Party of Regions, Akhmetov was re-elected in the subsequent election of 2007 but was present only once at his inauguration ceremony. Oleksander Yefremov, leader of the party faction, acknowledged that Akhmetov contributes substantial support via expert groups that advise on legislative drafts. In December of 2011, Akhmetov announced his decision not to run in the 2012 Ukrainian parliamentary election.

According to U.S. diplomatic cables, Akhmetov provided a bail payment of $2 million in 2007 securing the release of three Party of Regions members—including former Sumy Governor Volodymyr Shcherban—who faced accusations related to election fraud, extortion, tax evasion, and misuse of official power.

Response to the Donbas conflict

Rinat Akhmetov refuted accusations made by Pavel Gubarev, who proclaimed himself the "People's Governor" of the Donetsk People's Republic, alleging that Akhmetov financed the 2014 separatist uprising and bribed activists. Akhmetov firmly denied any involvement in bribery.[1] On 10 May 2014, his company Metinvest declared the formation of a non-armed militia composed of steelworkers tasked with preventing looting in Mariupol.[1]

On 19 May 2014, Akhmetov condemned representatives of the Donetsk People's Republic for what he termed "genocide of Donbas" and launched a Peace March at Donbass Arena in Donetsk, accompanied by daily sirens at noon until peace was restored.[2]

By March 2014, Akhmetov had dedicated ₴35 million to support victims of the conflict and established the Rinat Akhmetov Humanitarian Centre in August 2014. This initiative consolidated resources from his Foundation, SCM Group enterprises, and FC Shakhtar to deliver financial aid, humanitarian relief, medical and psychological support, as well as evacuation services from conflict zones.[3]

In August 2014, his Foundation for Development of Ukraine initiated ongoing Humanitarian Aid Drives to supply food packages regularly to residents of Donbas. By October 2016, more than 10 million such packages had been distributed across 57 districts within Donetsk and Luhansk regions.[4] These packages typically contained essential items such as flour, sugar, cereals, canned food, and cooking oil.

Since March 2014, Akhmetov has advocated for preserving Ukraine’s territorial integrity and resolving the crisis through peaceful means, endorsing decentralization as a key element of the solution.[5]

In March 2017, Akhmetov’s offices located in territories controlled by Russian-backed forces were targeted by protesters. Pro-Russian separatists took over his energy company DTEK and steel producer Metinvest in Donbas. Additionally, enterprises under the control of the Luhansk People's Republic seized several businesses owned by Akhmetov.[6]

Throughout 2017, demonstrators accused both Akhmetov and President Petro Poroshenko of corruption related to coal pricing policies and DTEK’s debt buyouts.[7] On 27 August 2020, the Specialised Anti-Corruption Prosecutor's Office (SAPO) closed the Rotterdam+ case citing insufficient evidence of criminal wrongdoing and no financial losses incurred.[8]

Withdrawal from media industry

In November 2021, Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelensky accused Akhmetov of participating in a Russian-backed coup attempt—claims that Akhmetov dismissed as "completely false." This conflict highlighted broader tensions amid Zelensky’s anti-corruption campaign and Akhmetov’s opposition stance; his television channels frequently supported Zelensky’s political opponents and criticized government policies, particularly regarding unpaid green energy subsidies owed to his energy subsidiaries.

Akhmetov asserted that he did not interfere with editorial decisions, attributing critical comments about Zelensky to individual guests on his channels. Meanwhile, Zelensky-aligned lawmakers boycotted media outlets they considered adversarial. On 11 July 2022, Akhmetov declared SCM’s complete exit from the media sector by relinquishing licenses for major TV stations and ceasing print and digital media operations to comply with “de-oligarchisation” legislation aimed at curbing oligarchic influence.

Following this withdrawal, Justice Minister Denys Maliuska confirmed that Akhmetov no longer met the legal criteria defining an oligarch due to his divestment from media ownership and the conclusion of his business partner Vadym Novynskyi’s parliamentary term.

Activities during the Russian invasion

Rinat Akhmetov stands as the principal contributor to Ukraine’s United Armed Forces. In April 2025, the Ukrainian outlet NV recognized Akhmetov’s SCM Group as the leading corporate benefactor. He stressed that a thriving Donetsk and Donbas region hinges on a unified Ukraine.

According to the Financial Times, Akhmetov dedicated €100 million toward humanitarian and military assistance throughout the 2022 conflict. Collectively, SCM enterprises, the Rinat Akhmetov Foundation, and Shakhtar FC have provided over $223 million in aid within two years; by May 2024, total contributions surpassed $258 million (€242 million).

On February 22, 2022, SCM advanced ₴1 billion ($34 million) in tax payments to support government finances amid escalating tensions. The Azovstal steel plant in Mariupol, owned by Akhmetov, was destroyed during the siege. He confirmed that both Mariupol steelworks remained under Ukrainian control but ceased operations due to Russian assaults, declining to resume activities under occupation.

In January 2023, Akhmetov initiated the Heart of Azovstal campaign with a $25 million donation aimed at aiding Mariupol defenders and families of those who perished.

Akhmetov’s net worth dropped sharply from nearly $14 billion to below $6 billion within two weeks of the invasion and was estimated at $4 billion in 2024. He has outlined his conditions for Ukraine’s success as a complete Russian withdrawal and border restoration.

By February 2023, SCM companies, the Foundation, and Shakhtar FC had delivered $150 million in assistance covering infrastructure repairs, energy provision, military gear, and humanitarian relief benefiting more than 18 million people. By August 2023, total aid exceeded €165 million ($175 million).

The Saving Lives program, launched by Metinvest and the Foundation, seeks to avert food crises during wartime by distributing food parcels, hygiene kits, medicines, and shelter support to over 442,000 individuals across various regions.

Akhmetov’s Steel Front initiative bolsters Ukraine’s Armed Forces with drones, vehicles, body armor, fuel supplies, and protective equipment. As of February 2024, it had supplied more than 5,000 drones, 1,200 vehicles, upwards of 200,000 body armor items—including 170,000 bulletproof vests—and 1.1 million liters of fuel. Metinvest also manufactures anti-mine trawls for tanks and has provided armored amphibious assault vessels to military intelligence units.

Shakhtar Donetsk established a Shelter Center at Arena Lviv accommodating over 2,000 internally displaced persons; meanwhile, Metinvest arranged roughly 6,000 temporary lodgings within social institutions offering meals and hygiene products.

Despite severe damage from missile strikes and drone attacks that reduced generating capacity by 90%, DTEK restored electricity supply to more than 17 million households. The company provided free power valued at ₴350 million ($10 million) to hospitals and military facilities.

Metinvest developed specialized steel for manufacturing body armor plates and portable steel war shelters costing approximately ₴200,000 ($5,450) each; over 500 such shelters were delivered to frontline positions by May 2024. The firm also produces “lancet catchers” designed to shield military hardware from drone strikes.

Additionally, Metinvest contributed boats and life jackets worth UAH53 million to strengthen waterborne defense capabilities.

In spite of ongoing hostilities, Metinvest increased employee wages starting May 2024.

Akhmetov remains in Ukraine fully dedicated to its victory. Between February and May 2022 alone, his businesses contributed nearly $72 million in humanitarian aid and military support.

In May 2022 he announced intentions to pursue legal action against Russia seeking $17–20 billion in compensation for damages caused by military aggression. The lawsuit was submitted to the European Court of Human Rights in June 2022. By April 2023 he sought reparations for losses incurred under Russian-backed separatist control since 2014 to facilitate Ukraine’s reconstruction efforts.

Since early 2022 Akhmetov has paid ₴1.77 billion in taxes. Following combined missile and drone strikes in March 2024 that severely damaged DTEK’s power plants—reducing capacity by over 90%—only 460 MW remained operational out of a pre-war capacity of 5,000 MW as of June.

By November 2023 Akhmetov’s enterprises had allocated over ₴6.7 billion (185 million euros) toward both military and civilian needs since February 2022.

In May 2024 Steel Front commenced serial production of protective steel screens for tanks including Soviet T-72s, Ukrainian T-64s, and American M1 Abrams models; more than 25 systems were delivered free of charge.

Throughout more than two years of conflict, over 12,000 SCM employees enlisted in Ukraine’s Armed Forces; casualties among military personnel and civilian workers totaled 846 deaths.

This comprehensive involvement highlights Akhmetov’s pivotal role in sustaining Ukraine’s defense capabilities while maintaining essential industrial operations amid wartime conditions.

Evaluation of Russia's Conduct

In March 2022, Akhmetov publicly denounced Russia's military incursion into Ukraine, characterizing it as both a war crime and a violation of human rights, with particular focus on the impact on civilians. He identified Russia as the aggressor nation and labeled Putin a war criminal, underscoring Ukraine’s longstanding peaceful nature.

Concept of Victory for Ukraine

Akhmetov articulated that Ukraine's triumph would entail a total cessation of hostilities, the full withdrawal of Russian troops, and the complete reinstatement of Ukraine’s internationally recognized territorial integrity, encompassing Donbass and Crimea.

Reconstruction Plans for Ukraine

Expressing optimism about Ukraine’s post-conflict recovery, Akhmetov committed to allocating his own resources toward reviving economic prosperity. He advocated for a comprehensive “new Marshall Plan,” involving investments totaling hundreds of billions, aimed at constructing a resilient European Ukraine founded on strong institutions, adherence to the rule of law, anti-corruption frameworks, and democratic governance. In November 2024, DTEK announced it would receive €62.8 million from the European Commission alongside $46.1 million from the United States government to repair infrastructure damaged by Russian aggression and prepare energy facilities for the winter season.

Sports and Sponsorship

Following the October 1995 assassination bombing targeting former team president Akhat Bragin, Akhmetov—Bragin’s close associate who narrowly survived the attack—assumed leadership of FC Shakhtar Donetsk. On 11 October 1996, he was officially appointed as club president. Under his direction, the club underwent significant restructuring with an emphasis on achieving success within European competitions and enhancing professional management practices. During his tenure, Shakhtar secured fifteen Ukrainian Premier League titles, claimed the Ukrainian Cup fourteen times, won nine Ukrainian Super Cup trophies, and earned Ukraine’s inaugural UEFA Europa League championship.

In 2009, Akhmetov spearheaded the development of Donbas Arena in Donetsk, marking it as Eastern Europe’s first stadium constructed to top-tier UEFA specifications with a seating capacity exceeding 50,000. The stadium received recognition as the best venue during UEFA Euro 2012 and is ranked among the top 25 stadiums in UEFA Champions League history.

Due to the conflict in Donbas from 2014 to 2022, FC Shakhtar was compelled to relocate its training facilities to Kyiv starting in spring 2014 and shifted its home matches across several venues: Arena Lviv (2014–2017), Metalist Stadium in Kharkiv (2017–2020), and NSC Olimpiyskiy in Kyiv (since 2020). In 2022, ongoing hostilities prevented international fixtures within Ukraine, leading Shakhtar to arrange a stadium lease with Legia Warsaw for Champions League home games.

The documentary series "Football Must Go On," produced by Paramount+ and featuring Shakhtar Donetsk, earned a Sports Emmy Award in the Documentary Series category.

Between August 2014 and March 2017—until control was lost—the Donbas Arena functioned as a humanitarian aid hub managed by Akhmetov’s foundation, distributing food assistance to conflict-affected populations. Despite repeated damage from shelling during hostilities, aid operations continued until rebel forces obstructed access in March 2017, ceasing distribution efforts.

In May 2025, FC Shakhtar celebrated its fifteenth Ukrainian Cup triumph.

Personal life

Rinat Akhmetov is married to Liliya Nikolaievna Smirnova, born in 1965, and they have two sons: Damir, born in 1988, and Almir, born in 1997.

He possesses the most expensive penthouse in London located at One Hyde Park, which he initially acquired as a portfolio asset for an estimated $213 million. Subsequently, he invested an additional $120 million into its refurbishment. This transaction became public knowledge in 2011 after the property's value demonstrated consistent annual growth. In May 2013, ownership was transferred from his company SCM directly to Akhmetov.

In 2019, he purchased Villa Les Cèdres situated in Cap Ferrat, France, for a sum of €200 million.

Philanthropy

Rinat Akhmetov is regarded as one of Ukraine's trailblazers in modern philanthropy, evolving from ad hoc assistance to structured charitable programs. Since 2006, he has been among the foremost donors in Ukraine, regularly ranking among the top contributors.

In 2005, he launched the SCM corporate charity foundation named Development of Ukraine, which was rebranded as the Rinat Akhmetov Foundation in 2018. The foundation’s mission encompasses national healthcare improvement, family support services, targeted aid, cultural initiatives, and educational projects. Since becoming independent in 2008 while still maintaining connections with SCM, it has grown into one of Ukraine’s largest philanthropic organizations.

Between 2007 and 2013, Akhmetov established the Foundation for Effective Governance to back Ukraine’s economic growth strategies. This foundation played a role in producing the World Economic Forum’s Ukraine Competitiveness Report and supported the development of IT and woodworking industry clusters in Lviv.

The Rinat Akhmetov Humanitarian Center Pomozhem was founded in August 2014 to deliver food supplies, medical aid, and psychological support to residents of eastern Ukraine. It assisted more than 1.1 million individuals and evacuated upwards of 39,000 people from conflict areas. From February 2017 onward, its operations were confined to government-controlled territories. Assistance ceased in non-government zones in February 2018, impacting over half a million people. By 2020, its efforts expanded nationwide to tackle challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic.

Since 2000, Akhmetov and Igor Krutoy have led yearly charity drives benefiting orphans and hospitalized children within Donetsk Oblast. In 2012, he contributed $19 million toward founding an oncology research center.

Akhmetov’s earnings from his parliamentary role have consistently been allocated to charitable causes. In 2019 alone, his foundation supplied Ukrainian hospitals with 200 ambulances.

Following consultations with President Volodymyr Zelensky in March 2020, Akhmetov committed funds to COVID-19 relief across multiple Ukrainian regions and cities. He initially dedicated ₴300 million and eventually around ₴500 million through his Fight against COVID-19 in Ukraine initiative under the Rinat Akhmetov - Saving Lives program. This included procuring over 200 ventilators for healthcare facilities across the country.

Euromaidan

During the 2013–14 Euromaidan demonstrations, Akhmetov became a focal point for protesters who viewed him as emblematic of oppression. Demonstrators picketed his London residence demanding that he cut connections with then-president Viktor Yanukovych. Akhmetov publicly denounced police violence and confronted protesters near his Donetsk residence on December 31, 2013.

After the Euromaidan Revolution and the onset of the Donbas conflict, Akhmetov’s net worth declined sharply from $11.2 billion to $2.9 billion by 2017, with reports indicating that a significant portion of his prior assets had transferred to Russian oligarchs.

Media-related controversies

Rinat Akhmetov engages public relations experts and legal advisors to safeguard his reputation against accusations and critiques, frequently challenging articles he considers defamatory or erroneous. Detractors claim he exerts pressure on investigative journalists and exploits libel legislation in London courts. In 2008, Akhmetov prevailed in a London libel lawsuit concerning harm to his reputation, resulting in several retractions of assertions regarding his alleged "criminal background."

Mark MacDougall, Akhmetov’s attorney, noted that numerous European media outlets have withdrawn unfounded allegations against him, highlighting his commitment to defending his family’s name and business standing.

In 2007, the Kyiv Post issued an apology for inaccurate reports about Akhmetov’s commercial relations with Dniproenergo and Kryvorizhstal. Likewise, the Swiss publication Neue Zürcher Zeitung retracted defamatory statements that connected him to organized crime, affirming that his achievements were not derived from illicit funds.

Following judicial intervention in 2008, Ukrainian online news source Obozrevatel apologized for false claims concerning Akhmetov’s supposed criminal associations. Nevertheless, journalist Tetiana Chornovol declined to apologize or acknowledge any fault.

In 2010, Rhode Island-based GoLocalProv.com published unverified accusations linking Akhmetov to organized crime; these were subsequently removed after PolitiFact questioned the credibility of the sources.

Also in 2010, the French daily Le Figaro withdrew defamatory descriptions branding Akhmetov as a "notorious Ukrainian oligarch" and "gangster," issuing an apology following legal proceedings.

In 2013, Akhmetov’s legal representatives refuted media allegations connecting him to the 1996 assassination of oligarch Yevhen Shcherban, emphasizing the lack of evidence implicating him and pointing out that some victims were personal acquaintances.

Links to Donald Trump’s 2016 presidential campaign

In January 2019, attorneys for Paul Manafort submitted a court document responding to claims by the Robert Mueller Special Counsel that Manafort had been untruthful during cooperation. Due to a redaction oversight, it was revealed that while serving as Donald Trump’s campaign chairman, Manafort met with Konstantin Kilimnik, shared Trump campaign polling information, and discussed a peace initiative involving Ukraine and Russia. Kilimnik is identified as an operative of Russia's GRU intelligence service. Although much of the polling data was publicly accessible, some was internal data managed by Brad Parscale. Manafort requested Kilimnik to forward this information to Ukrainians Serhiy Lyovochkin and Rinat Akhmetov. Akhmetov denied any interactions with Manafort or Kilimnik, stating that Manafort’s engagement with his company ended more than ten years prior. It is noteworthy that Lara Trump, spouse of Eric Trump, served as a liaison between the Trump 2016 campaign headquarters and Parscale’s Giles-Parscale firm.

Honors

  • In 2021, UEFA President Aleksander Čeferin bestowed upon Rinat Akhmetov the UEFA Football Leadership Award in recognition of Shakhtar's accomplishments during his quarter-century tenure as president and the club's 85th anniversary.
  • Order of Prince Yaroslav the Wise, Fifth Class (2010)
  • Complete Chevalier of Ukraine’s Order of Merit: First Class (2006), Second Class (2004), Third Class (2002)
  • Full Chevalier of the Miner's Glory Medal
  • Honoured Worker in Fitness and Sports of Ukraine (1999)
  • Sitara-e-Pakistan (2007) awarded for services to Pakistan
  • Donetsk Citizens Recognition Award (2008) in the "Caring for the Future" category
  • Honorary citizenship of Donetsk (2006)

See also

External links

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  8. ↑ Prosecutor in Rotterdam+ investigation rejects bringing case to court
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