Lukashenko's lavish hideaway: A secret $150 million residence emerges
The president of Belarus, Alexander Lukashenko, has one official residence, the Independence Palace in Minsk. However, he unofficially owns eighteen properties. The "Belsat" portal reported that a probable nineteenth is being built in the Krasnaya Polyana resort near Sochi in Russia.
1 May 2024 20:39
According to unofficial media reports, Alexander Lukashenko's house is being constructed in the Russian resort of Krasnaya Polyana. This resort is about 39 kilometres from the Black Sea coast and 55 kilometres from Sochi, where Vladimir Putin's residence is situated.
A joint investigation by BELPOL and the Belsat portal revealed that nearly 10 hectares of land in Krasnaya Polyana were purchased by a company registered in Russia, Complex-Invest, at a reduced price and in secret.
"Belsat" portal claims the company is linked to Lukashenko's businessman Viktor Sheiman, who manages the dictator's major projects.
Residence for 150 million dollars
The construction plan for the residence is quite impressive. It includes as many as 12 structures with a total area of about 7,300 square metres. Apart from the main building, three VIP villas are designed with an area of 730 square metres each. One of them will be adapted for people with limited mobility. Inside, there will be a pool, dining room, and three bedrooms. The plot plan includes a hotel with 348 square metres and four apartments.
Additionally, the residence will have a movie theatre, Russian and Turkish saunas, a massage room, a fitness room, and a ski room. That's not all. There will be a restaurant complex on the premises. Furthermore, there is sports infrastructure, a checkpoint, a garage, and a security building with six beds and a room for weapons.
So far, at least 17 million dollars have been spent constructing the complex near Sochi. The entire investment might consume 150 million dollars, and the plot is worth about 100 million.
"Creating a future refuge for himself and his family"
President Lukashenko is undoubtedly one of Belarus's wealthiest citizens. According to various reports, his assets are estimated at 8-12 billion dollars. His new nest in Russia is intended to be a safe place for the future.
"The Insider" portal Belarusian oppositionist Pavel Latushka says Lukashenko is creating a future refuge for himself and his family, where he can hide as a resigning, ageing dictator. And it's easier for him to organize this structure in Russia.
According to the media, the residence near Sochi began to be built two years after his bloody power struggle.
Journalists of "Belsat" convey that on February 18, 2022, the plot was stolen from the Belarusians, and six days later Putin started a full-scale war in Ukraine.
