Do you know who is world’s richest politician? Vladimir Putin claims an annual salary of $140,000 (₹1.18 crore), but his declared assets suggest a different reality. According to official records, Putin owns an 800-square-foot apartment, a trailer, and three cars. However, reports paint a much more extravagant picture of his wealth.
A prime example is the Black Sea mansion, often referred to as “Putin’s Country Cottage,” which symbolizes his alleged affluence. The mansion includes luxury features such as a marble swimming pool adorned with Greek god statues, an amphitheater, an ice hockey rink, a casino, and a nightclub. The interior is equally lavish, with dining room furniture valued at $500,000 and bathrooms equipped with $850 Italian toilet brushes. Maintaining this opulent estate requires an annual expenditure of $2 million by a staff of 40.
Putin’s alleged net worth, estimated to be around $200 billion, originates from claims made by Bill Browder, a prominent investor in Russia during the 1990s. In 2017, Browder testified before the US Senate, asserting that Putin’s wealth would place him among the richest individuals globally.
In addition to the mansion, reports suggest that Putin owns 19 other residences, 700 cars, 58 aircraft and helicopters, and a $716 million airplane dubbed “The Flying Kremlin.” There’s also an alleged $700 million mega yacht named Scheherazade linked to him. His luxury watch collection, which includes items like the Patek Philippe Perpetual Calendar and A. Lange & Söhne Tourbograph, further fuels speculation about his hidden wealth. The watches alone are worth six times his officially declared salary.
Despite these claims, there is no concrete evidence to confirm the extent of Putin’s hidden wealth, leaving his official assets appearing relatively modest.
Meanwhile, tensions have escalated in the Russia-Ukraine conflict, with reports on Saturday indicating that North Korea has sent troops to support Russia. Around 1,500 North Korean soldiers have already arrived, with a total of 12,000 expected. The ongoing war has resulted in tens of thousands of casualties on both sides, although no official or independent counts are available.
Hostilities continue as world leaders deliberate on their next steps. Recently, Russia launched one of the war’s largest drone assaults, deploying 135 Shahed drones and other unmanned aircraft across various regions of Ukraine.
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