Umar Kremlev confirms Trump Jr. repaid wedding expenses

NEW YORK (AP) — Umar Kremlev, a Russian oligarch who financed Donald Trump Jr.'s wedding celebration, stated that Trump Jr. has reimbursed him for the expenses. "Yes, he did," Kremlev said during an International Boxing Association press conference in Istanbul on Tuesday. He added that he felt the repayment was unnecessary, saying, "Frankly speaking, I do not understand why he decided to do so. There are all kinds of events organized by all kinds of people. It is as if I invite you to come and visit my country house. Would you expect me to issue an invoice to them afterward?" Kremlev, who has close ties to Russian President Vladimir Putin, reportedly covered hundreds of thousands of dollars in wedding expenses for Trump Jr. when he married Bettina Anderson in the Bahamas in May, including the rental of one of two private islands for the three-day event. In a post on Instagram, Bettina Trump referred to Kremlev as a "dear friend" who generously hosted celebrations for them after their wedding. President Donald Trump, who did not attend the wedding, previously stated that the repayment was appropriate, saying, "It's totally allowed. But, as I understand it, he paid them back." Kremlev downplayed the situation, describing the celebration as "a shared event" and stating that it was blown out of proportion. He emphasized, "I mean, why can't we be friends? We are just friends, and what unites us is love for sports." The focus on Kremlev arises amid ongoing tensions due to Russia's war with Ukraine, which began in 2022, and the lack of a peace deal brokered by Trump. Trump Jr. has faced scrutiny regarding his connections to Russia, particularly following a meeting with a Russian attorney during the 2016 campaign that was part of investigations into potential coordination between the Trump campaign and Russian interference in the election.