Nikolai Khristianovich Bunge (November 11, 1823 - June 3, 1895) was an outstanding statesman of the Russian Empire, economist, Minister of Finance, and Chairman of the Committee of Ministers, as well as an ordinary professor and rector of Saint Vladimir University.

He was born on November 23, 1823, in Kyiv to a well-known children's doctor. After graduating from high school with a gold medal, Bunge entered the law faculty of Kyiv University. Upon completing his studies, he remained at the university as a lecturer, and from 1850 he became a professor and head of the department of political economy and statistics.

In 1859 and 1880, with breaks, Bunge held the position of rector of the university. He wrote significant works on the peasant reform and in the 1850s and 1870s developed a reform program that included the development of private peasant ownership, the creation of labor unions, and the participation of workers in the distribution of enterprise profits.

In 1865, while continuing to teach, Bunge became the manager of the Kyiv office of the State Bank. In 1881, he was appointed Minister of Finance. As a politician and thinker, Bunge supported personal freedom, the right to private property and initiative, while simultaneously strengthening the monarchy and state principles. He was known as a strict protectionist, supporting national producers. Under his leadership, customs duties on the import of foreign cast iron, steel, and machinery increased, which he believed contributed to the development of trade and production.

The period of Bunge's activity was significant in the history of Russia's finances. In 1886, at his suggestion, the poll tax, introduced by Peter I, was abolished. Bunge considered the income tax the most equitable form of taxation but hesitated to introduce it immediately, fearing changes in economic relations. Private taxes on alcohol, tobacco, sugar, gold mining, real estate in cities, gifts, and inheritance were increased and introduced, marking a transitional stage to the income tax. From 1887 until the end of his life, he held the position of Chairman of the Committee of Ministers.

On June 15, 1895, Bunge suddenly passed away in Tsarskoye Selo. Nicholas II noted in his diary that evening: "I have lost another loyal and experienced advisor." By his will, Bunge left his extensive library and 6,000 rubles to Kyiv University of Saint Vladimir, and another 4,000 he bequeathed to the Society for the Assistance of Former Students of this university.