Mikhail Kasyanov is a Russian politician and economist who served as Prime Minister of Russia from 2000 to 2004. Prior to this, he held a number of senior positions in the Russian government, including First Deputy Finance Minister, where he played a central role in Russia’s economic reforms, debt restructuring and negotiations with international financial institutions during the post-Soviet transition.

Following his departure from government, Kasyanov became one of Russia’s leading opposition politicians and a prominent critic of the Kremlin’s authoritarian trajectory. He has advocated for democratic governance, the rule of law and Russia’s reintegration into the international community. Since leaving Russia, he has remained active in public debate on Russia's future, European security, and the consequences of the war against Ukraine.