Vladimir Putin is under scrutiny for allegedly acquiring a lavish £100 million palace situated on a cliff in occupied Crimea. This sprawling complex features a private hospital, an operating theatre, and even a cryochamber, raising questions about the Russian leader’s health and lifestyle. The revelations come amid discussions about the potential for human organ transplantation to extend life, with Chinese President Xi Jinping suggesting that people might live to 150 years by the end of this century.
Details of the Palace Complex
Located at Cape Aya on the southern tip of the Black Sea peninsula, the palace was initially constructed for former Ukrainian president Viktor Yanukovych. Investigations led by the team of the late Alexei Navalny describe the residence as a “huge palace” that now serves as a personal retreat for Putin. The main house spans approximately 96,875 square feet, accompanied by a second cliffside building of nearly 53,820 square feet, nestled within landscaped gardens.
Among the extravagant features are a private promenade, a pier, and an artificial beach with imported white sand. A newly installed helipad is also part of the property, which is similar in opulence to Putin’s other residences, including Gelendzhik, another Black Sea estate likened to a “James Bond villain’s lair.”
The Navalny team commented, “The sheer excess of luxury starts to make one feel slightly nauseous.” Within the palace are two “royal bedrooms,” with the main one measuring 2,600 square feet and its bathroom 538 square feet. Notably, a golden ladder leads to a jacuzzi where one can relax while watching state-controlled television.
Health Facilities and Expenses
The palace also includes a private hospital, further fueling speculation about Putin’s health concerns. This facility contains a general practitioner’s consulting room, an ENT office, dental surgery, and a fully equipped operating theatre with advanced medical devices sourced from Germany and Finland. Among the equipment are an ultrasound machine valued at 2 million roubles (approximately £17,400), a ventilator, and an anaesthesia machine.
The investigation highlights Putin’s significant investments in health technology, including a neuromuscular stimulation device and various diagnostic tools. The operating theatre itself is outfitted with an operating table priced at 4 million roubles (around £34,800).
The overall cost of the palace is estimated to be around 10 billion roubles (nearly £100 million), financed through a network tied to Putin’s affluent associates. The ownership structure reveals a complex web of companies linked to oligarchs who have benefited during Putin’s lengthy rule.
Symbol of Corruption and Power
Originally intended as a sanatorium after being seized from Yanukovych, the palace has become a stark symbol of power and corruption in Russia. Investigators question why Putin requires yet another palace, noting that “he and his friends have stolen so much in a quarter of a century that it can no longer be spent.”
Maria Pevchikh, an anti-corruption campaigner, emphasized the palace’s defining feature: “the cryochamber, where Putin rejuvenates at –110°C.” The findings of Navalny’s team point to a broader narrative of unchecked authority and lavish excess within Putin’s regime.
As investigations continue, the revelations about this extravagant property further complicate the image of a leader who projects strength while investing heavily in personal luxuries amid a backdrop of political turmoil.
