Putin Ally Funded Trump Jr. Wedding Celebrations, Report Says

A Russian businessman with close ties to President Vladimir Putin helped fund lavish post-wedding celebrations for Donald Trump Jr. and his wife, Bettina Trump, according to a financial investigation. The payments, totaling approximately $170,000, were made by Umar Kremlev, the president of the International Boxing Association and a figure sanctioned by Ukraine for his links to the Kremlin. The report, based on financial records and sources, indicates Kremlev paid about $100,000 to rent a private island and roughly $70,000 for a fireworks display for the celebrations in the Bahamas following the couple's wedding in May. The funds were routed through IB Challenger, a Dubai-based firm used by Kremlev for his boxing association operations. Kremlev, 43, has a documented relationship with Putin, having received the Russian state's Order of Friendship in April 2026. He is also under Ukrainian sanctions due to his ties to Putin through Alexei Rubezhny, the head of the Kremlin leader's personal security service. His business portfolio includes ownership of Rolf, one of Russia's largest car dealership groups, which was acquired after being placed under temporary state management.