January 13, 2026
CEO Vladislav Baumgertner is missing. Cypriot police search for missing executive while Russian embassy reports diplomat suicide
Vladislav Baumgertner, one of Russia’s most prominent senior executives in the 2010s, has gone missing in Cyprus. As the CEO of Uralkali, Baumgertner famously dissolved a partnership with Belaruskali, subsequently becoming a “hostage” of Alexander Lukashenko during the ensuing “Potash War.” Meduza looks back at that conflict, examines Baumgertner’s career before and after the crisis, and details what is currently known about his disappearance.
TL;DR
- Vladislav Baumgertner, former CEO of Uralkali, has been reported missing in Cyprus.
- Baumgertner was previously involved in a dispute known as the "Potash War" with Belaruskali.
- His withdrawal from the Belarus Potash Company in 2013 led to his arrest in Minsk.
- The "Potash War" resulted in a diplomatic row between Russia and Belarus.
- Baumgertner was later released from custody and continued his career, currently managing a family office in Cyprus.
- Separately, a Russian diplomat in Cyprus was found dead, with the embassy claiming suicide; any connection to Baumgertner's disappearance is unknown.