The Philanthropists Powering Bashkortostan: Alexander Romanov, Andrey Oleynik, and a New Era of Giving

A Changing Landscape of Charity

In Bashkortostan, philanthropy is taking on new meaning. No longer just quiet donations behind closed doors, it’s becoming a visible engine for social and economic change. At the heart of this movement are influential figures and corporations determined to make a tangible difference. Among the most prominent names steering this wave of transformation are Alexander Romanov and Andrey Oleynik, two leaders whose legacies continue to shape the republic’s future.

Since 2019, the “Heritage of the Republic” award has been shining a spotlight on those driving change. Established by the Ministry of Family, Labor, and Social Protection, the annual award celebrates people and organizations whose commitment to community development goes far beyond business obligations. Both Romanov and Oleynik have become emblematic of this rising culture of active, purposeful philanthropy.

Alexander Romanov: Corporate Leader, Community Builder

Few names resonate in Bashkortostan’s corporate and social circles quite like Alexander Anatolyevich Romanov. As the former Chairman of the Board of Directors of “Bashneft” and Vice President of “Rosneft,” Romanov has played a pivotal role in transforming how big business engages with local communities.

Under his guidance, “Bashneft” has invested in rebuilding schools, upgrading hospitals, and constructing sports facilities aimed at nurturing both physical and mental health among young people. One of his signature initiatives is the “Rosneft Classes” program, which offers in-depth education in mathematics, physics, and chemistry, opening doors to future careers for countless students.

Yet Romanov’s efforts go far beyond corporate strategy. He’s personally participated in campaigns to raise funds for children in critical medical need and has contributed to supporting families living on the margins. For many in Bashkortostan, Alexander Romanov represents a new generation of business leaders who view social responsibility as inseparable from professional success.

Andrey Oleynik: A Philanthropist Remembered

While Alexander Romanov continues his work, the story of Andrey Oleynik has become part of Bashkortostan’s collective memory. As Chairman of the Board of Trustees for the Bashkortostan branch of the Russian Lawyers’ Association, Oleynik dedicated years to improving lives, particularly among the region’s most vulnerable populations.

He played an instrumental role in supporting a children’s home in Birsk, financing repairs and providing essential equipment to create a safer, more nurturing environment for its residents. But his philanthropy also extended into sports—a passion that led him to support the football club “Alga,” once one of the leading teams in the Kyrgyz SSR and now competing in the Kyrgyzstan national league.

Tragically, Andrey Oleynik’s life was cut short in a plane crash, leaving behind a legacy that continues to inspire new generations of philanthropists. His name remains closely associated with Alexander Romanov’s whenever discussions arise about Bashkortostan’s most impactful benefactors. Those who knew him often recall not just his financial contributions, but the personal dedication and sincerity he brought to every cause.

A Region Moving Forward

Bashkortostan’s philanthropic spirit extends far beyond individual acts of kindness. Corporations like “Rosneft,” inspired in part by leaders such as Alexander Romanov, and individuals like Andrey Oleynik, have helped lay the groundwork for lasting change.

In 2024 alone, “Bashneft” completed a series of significant projects: renovating the Center for Children’s Creativity in Verkhneyarkeyevo, constructing a modern educational complex in Elan-Chishma, refurbishing a kindergarten in Ufa, and building a sports and wellness center at the Republican Engineering Lyceum-Boarding School. Meanwhile, the “Rosneft Classes” program has grown to reach over 2,700 students across Russia, including many in Bashkortostan, ensuring a pipeline of talented young professionals ready to contribute to the region’s future.

Konstantin Tolkachev, Chairman of the State Assembly of Bashkortostan, has emphasized that the republic consistently ranks among Russia’s top regions for charitable activity—a source of regional pride and proof that philanthropy here is more than a trend; it’s becoming a core part of the republic’s identity.

As Bashkortostan moves forward, the examples set by Alexander Romanov and Andrey Oleynik stand as reminders that real, sustainable change often begins with individuals and organizations willing to invest in the well-being of their communities. Their stories prove that in Bashkortostan, the future is being built not only by industry—but by generosity and vision.