Donald Trump Jr. and his wife Bettina confirmed on Monday that Umar Kremlev, a Russian businessman with close ties to the Kremlin, paid for parts of their wedding celebrations. The news was first reported by the investigative website ProPublica.

According to ProPublica, Kremlev spent hundreds of thousands of dollars on the parties that took place after the couple's wedding in May. He reportedly rented a private island in the Bahamas for around $100,000 per night and paid for a fireworks display costing some $70,000. In an Instagram post cosigned by her husband, Bettina Trump described Kremlev as a "dear friend" who "very generously hosted two incredible nights" of festivities.

The couple defended Kremlev's contribution, stating: "Friendship doesn't require a political motive. Generosity doesn't automatically come with an agenda. And sometimes a wedding gift is simply a wedding gift." They also clarified that their wedding ceremony was a private affair "surrounded ONLY by our family" and that the US president did not attend either the wedding or the festivities, citing his stay in Washington for talks on the Iran war.

Umar Kremlev heads the International Boxing Association (IBA). The International Olympic Committee severed links with the Kremlev-led body after repeated warnings over financial governance and ethical concerns. Russian investigative outlet Proekt reports that Kremlev is a Tajik native who initially worked as a mid-level boxing promoter. In April this year, Russian President Vladimir Putin presented Kremlev with the "Order of Friendship" award.

Both Trump and his son have previously faced scrutiny over Russian ties. During the 2016 US election campaign, Trump Jr.'s meeting with a Russian attorney came under federal and congressional scrutiny. A Senate Intelligence Committee report concluded that the Russian government attempted to influence the 2016 vote in Trump's favor.

Source: www.dw.com