# Mikhail Khodorkovsky

> Russian businessman, philanthropist and former oligarch

**Wikidata**: [Q152503](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q152503)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mikhail_Khodorkovsky)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/mikhail-khodorkovsky

# Mikhail Khodorkovsky

## Summary
Mikhail Khodorkovsky is a Russian businessman, philanthropist, and former oligarch who founded and led Yukos, one of Russia's largest oil companies during the 1990s and early 2000s. He became a prominent figure in Russian business before his imprisonment and subsequent exile, emerging as a critic of the Putin regime.

## Biography
- Born: June 26, 1963
- Nationality: Soviet Union, Russia
- Education: D. Mendeleev University of Chemical Technology of Russia, Plekhanov Russian Economic University
- Known for: Founding Yukos oil company and Open Russia organization
- Employer(s): Yukos (founder), Open Russia (founder)
- Field(s): Business, entrepreneurship, philanthropy, politics

## Contributions
Mikhail Khodorkovsky founded Yukos in 1993, transforming it into one of Russia's largest oil companies before its dissolution in 2006. He established Open Russia in 2001, an organization focused on promoting democratic values and civil society in Russia. Through Yukos, he built a major petroleum empire that significantly impacted Russia's oil industry and economy during the post-Soviet era. His philanthropic efforts and business ventures positioned him as one of the most influential figures in Russian business during the 1990s and early 2000s.

## FAQs
### What is Mikhail Khodorkovsky known for?
Mikhail Khodorkovsky is known for founding Yukos, one of Russia's largest oil companies, and for establishing Open Russia, an organization promoting democratic values. He gained prominence as a businessman and oligarch before facing imprisonment and exile.

### Where did Mikhail Khodorkovsky study?
Mikhail Khodorkovsky studied at D. Mendeleev University of Chemical Technology of Russia and Plekhanov Russian Economic University, both institutions located in Moscow, Russia.

### What happened to Yukos Oil Company?
Yukos was dissolved on August 1, 2006, and was replaced by Rosneft. The company, founded by Khodorkovsky in 1993, became one of Russia's largest oil companies before its controversial dissolution amid political and legal pressures.

### What is Open Russia and when was it founded?
Open Russia is an organization founded by Mikhail Khodorkovsky in 2001. It focuses on promoting democratic values, civil society, and transparency in Russia, operating as part of Khodorkovsky's broader political and social initiatives.

## Why They Matter
Mikhail Khodorkovsky matters as a symbol of the rise and fall of Russian oligarchs during the post-Soviet transformation. His creation of Yukos represented the potential for private enterprise in Russia's newly liberalized economy, while his subsequent legal troubles highlighted the tensions between private wealth and state power under the Putin regime. His case became internationally recognized as an example of political persecution disguised as tax evasion charges, influencing perceptions of business risk and political freedom in Russia. Through Open Russia and his continued advocacy from exile, he remains a significant voice opposing authoritarian governance in his home country.

## Notable For
- Founding Yukos, one of the largest oil companies in Russia during its operational period from 1993 to 2006
- Establishing Open Russia organization in 2001 to promote democratic values and civil society
- Being one of the most prominent Russian oligarchs of the post-Soviet era
- Becoming a political prisoner and symbol of opposition to the Putin regime
- Transitioning from successful businessman to philanthropist and political activist
- Being affiliated with both D. Mendeleev University of Chemical Technology of Russia and Plekhanov Russian Economic University
- Serving as a key figure in the transformation of Russian business during the 1990s economic reforms

## Body
### Early Life and Education
Mikhail Borisovich Khodorkovsky was born on June 26, 1963. He pursued higher education at two prestigious Russian institutions: D. Mendeleev University of Chemical Technology of Russia and Plekhanov Russian Economic University, both located in Moscow. These educational foundations in chemistry, technology, and economics would prove instrumental in his later business ventures.

### Rise as an Entrepreneur
Khodorkovsky emerged as a prominent entrepreneur during Russia's economic transformation following the Soviet Union's collapse. His entrepreneurial journey positioned him within the class of individuals who organized, managed, and assumed the risks of profit or loss for business enterprises during a period of unprecedented economic change in Russia.

### Founding and Leading Yukos
In 1993, Khodorkovsky founded Yukos, a Russian oil company that would become one of the country's largest petroleum enterprises. Under his leadership, Yukos grew significantly, operating primarily in the petroleum industry with headquarters in Moscow. The company achieved substantial financial success with revenue figures reaching enormous amounts during its operational years. Yukos maintained multiple subsidiaries and operated as a major player in Russia's oil sector until its dissolution on August 1, 2006, when it was replaced by Rosneft.

### Political and Social Activism
Beyond his business endeavors, Khodorkovsky founded Open Russia in 2001, an organization dedicated to promoting democratic values and civil society in Russia. This initiative reflected his evolution from businessman to political activist, demonstrating his commitment to philanthropy and social causes. His work as a philanthropist became increasingly prominent as he sought to influence political developments in Russia.

### Legal Troubles and Imprisonment
Khodorkovsky's business success and political activities eventually led to legal challenges that culminated in his imprisonment. His case became internationally recognized as a symbol of the tensions between private enterprise and state control in Putin's Russia, with many viewing the charges as politically motivated rather than legitimate legal proceedings.

### Exile and Continued Advocacy
Following his release from prison, Khodorkovsky went into exile, continuing his criticism of the Russian government from abroad. He maintained his commitment to democratic values through Open Russia and other initiatives, remaining a significant voice in discussions about Russian politics and governance despite living outside the country.

### Recognition and Awards
Throughout his career, Khodorkovsky received various forms of recognition, including awards that acknowledged his contributions to business and civil society. His work has been documented across numerous international databases and encyclopedias, reflecting his significant impact on Russian business and political life.

### Digital and Media Presence
Khodorkovsky maintains an active presence through his official website (https://khodorkovsky.ru/) and various social media platforms, continuing to communicate his views on Russian politics and democracy. His digital footprint reflects his ongoing engagement with political issues and his commitment to promoting democratic values in Russia.

## References

1. Integrated Authority File
2. BnF authorities
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