When the United States (U.S.) and European allies announced sanctions against Russian President Vladimir Putin in response to Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, it was a rare move aimed at the Russian leader’s personal wealth. But the impact of those sanctions can only be largely symbolic. Although Putin is believed to own billions of dollars in personal wealth, little is known about the exact amount or where his wealth might be located.
According to a 2016 report by the International Consortium of Investigative Journalists (ICIJ), Putin left almost no paper trail of his assets, mostly assets hidden behind complex financial schemes orchestrated by his confidants.
In 2017, financier Bill Browder spoke before the U.S. Senate Committee on the Judiciary and said that Putin is “the richest man in the world.” It is estimated that he has a net worth of at least 200 billion dollars, and some assumptions say that the value of this wealth can be twice as high, if data based on the real situation, which neither the public nor the institutions have access to, were to be analyzed.
A mansion worth 1.4 billion dollars, 700 cars, 58 planes
Although he officially earns a modest salary of 140.000 dollars a year, Vladimir Putin’s reported net worth and assets paint a different picture. Putin claims ownership of an 800-square-meter apartment, a trailer, and three cars, but he is still rumored to own a wide array of luxury properties.
Vladimir Putin’s assets include a 190.000 square meter mansion overlooking the Black Sea, 19 additional homes, 700 cars, 58 planes, and helicopters, as well as a 716 million dollar plane aptly named the “Flying Kremlin”. The alleged excesses of his wealth continue with reports of a 100 million dollars superyacht and a collection of luxury watches, including a Patek Philippe Perpetual Calendar valued at 60.000 dollars.
As the war between Russia and Ukraine rages on, shocking revelations have emerged that shed light on the luxurious lifestyle of the man allegedly responsible for this devastating conflict, Russian President Vladimir Putin. While innocent lives are currently being lost and communities are falling apart, Putin is indulging in luxury and extravagance.
“Ghost train” through Russia
Newly available images provide a rare glimpse inside the 22-car “ghost train” that Vladimir Putin uses when he travels around Russia. The train’s luxurious features include a fully equipped gym, a skincare and massage salon with anti-aging machines, as well as a luxurious Turkish bath. Sumptuous bedrooms, ornate dining cars, and even a cinema add to the train’s extravagant appeal. Meanwhile, the train remains heavily armored, with bulletproof doors and windows, and stocked with life-saving medical equipment – a disturbing contrast to the suffering caused by war.
The production costs of this extravagant train amount to an incredible 74 million dollars, which is a burden placed on the shoulders of the Russian people. The annual maintenance of the train requires an additional 15.8 million dollars.
Questionable wealth and property
The details of the Black Sea villa, often referred to as “Putin’s Palace”, further emphasize the opulence that surrounds the Russian president. From the ceiling frescoes to the marble pool decorated with statues of Greek gods, the villa exudes a level of grandeur that is in stark contrast to the standard of living of the average Russian. Decorated bathrooms with 850-dollar Italian toilet brushes and 1.250-dollar toilet paper holders testify to the extravagant nature of Putin’s environment. Just to maintain the landscaping of the estate, the annual staff of 40 people spends an incredible two million dollars.
Watches
Putin also owns lavish watches that cost about six times his salary (the official salary he claims to receive). Putin has been seen wearing a 60.000 dollar Patek Philippe Perpetual Calendar watch and reportedly owns a 500.000 dollars A. Lange & Sohne Tourbograph watch along with other fancy designs.
Source of wealth
An investigation by the Reuters news agency highlights the questionable origins of Putin’s wealth. The luxury villa was allegedly financed through the Russian government’s “Health” project, which bought medical equipment at inflated prices from a company owned by Putin associates. Such claims raise serious concerns about corruption and misuse of public funds.
As the world grapples with the horrors of the Russian-Ukrainian war, revelations about Vladimir Putin’s net worth, assets, and lavish lifestyle are deeply disturbing. The stark contrast between his opulence and the atrocities taking place in Ukraine highlights the need for transparency, accountability, and compassion in leadership, Forbes writes.
E.Dz.
