A Ukrainian billionaire couple has etched their names in mountaineering history by becoming the first from their country to successfully summit Mount Makalu, the world’s fifth-highest mountain, during the 2026 spring climbing season.
Igor Kushnir, 54, and his wife Oksana Kushnir, 49, reached the 8,485-metre summit on May 2, according to expedition organiser 14 Peaks Expeditions. Their achievement marks a significant milestone, as Makalu is widely regarded as one of the most technically challenging peaks among the world’s 8,000-metre mountains.
From Political Power to Mountain Peaks
Igor Kushnir previously held influential roles during the presidency of Viktor Yanukovych. He served as Ukraine’s Deputy Minister of Defence starting in 2010 and later became president of Kievgorstroy, a major state-owned construction company controlling a large share of Kyiv’s prime real estate.
Oksana Kushnir, a Cypriot national of Ukrainian origin, is a prominent business figure and the ultimate beneficiary of Baltijos Gildija, one of the largest real estate firms. Since 2016, she has expanded her portfolio through investments in Ukrainian energy and investment companies via Koksi Holding.
A Challenging and Prestigious Climb
Mount Makalu, located in the Mahalangur Himalayas on the Nepal-China border, is known for its steep pitches, knife-edge ridges, and extreme weather conditions. The successful ascent by the Kushnirs highlights not only their determination but also their preparedness to tackle one of the most demanding climbs in the world.
“This is not just a personal triumph but a proud moment for Ukraine and the entire mountaineering community,” the expedition organiser stated, adding that the couple has safely returned to Kathmandu following their successful climb.
Sherpa Leadership Behind the Success
The expedition’s success was made possible by an experienced Sherpa team led by Lakpa Sherpa, also known as Makalu Lakpa. With this climb, he secured his ninth successful summit of Makalu, further cementing his reputation as one of the mountain’s most accomplished guides. His leadership and deep familiarity with Makalu’s treacherous terrain were instrumental in guiding the couple safely to the summit and back.
Experienced Climbers with Everest Achievement
The Kushnirs are not new to high-altitude mountaineering. The couple had previously summited Mount Everest along with several other peaks, building a strong foundation of experience before taking on Makalu. Their latest accomplishment adds to their growing list of mountaineering feats and stands as an inspiration within both the Ukrainian and global climbing communities.
