Putin’s Ex-Wife Rushes to Sell Luxury Spanish Apartments Amid EU Sanctions
Lyudmila Ocheretnaya, the former wife of Russian President Vladimir Putin, is reportedly in a hurry to sell her two luxury apartments on Costa del Sol. This move is seen as an attempt to evade the impending EU sanctions on her property empire. The two residential complexes, situated on Marbella’s Golden Mile in the Lomas del Rey development, are up for sale for a total of €2.2 million.
Properties Boast of Sea Views and High-End Security
The properties on sale offer stunning sea views and are surrounded by 25 square kilometres of shared landscaped gardens. They are located just 800 metres from the beach and come with round-the-clock security surveillance, a feature befitting the ex-wife of the man rumoured to be the world’s richest.
Properties Purchased Prior to Marriage
The properties were bought by Lyudmila’s current husband, Artur Ocheretny, in 2011 and 2014, before their marriage in 2015. The purchases were made using mortgage loans from a Spanish bank. The couple also owns a luxury apartment in Davos, Switzerland, worth €3.7 million and an art deco villa in Biarritz, reportedly worth €6 million. These assets are significantly more than her family’s legal income.
Sanctions by the UK and Possible EU Sanctions
Lyudmila was sanctioned by the UK in May last year, but she has not yet been added to the EU’s list. However, it is believed that her inclusion in the list is imminent. The Ukrainian government and Alexei Navalny, Putin’s political rival, have called for the former first lady to be added to the EU sanctions list.
Speculations About Financial Support from Putin
Lyudmila, who divorced Putin in 2013 and is the mother of his two oldest daughters, has been speculated to have received financial support from Putin over the years. She is said to lead a lifestyle similar to that of a Russian oligarch. The UK imposed sanctions on her, stating that she had benefited from preferential business relationships with Russian state-owned entities.
Residence Permits in Spain for Property Owners
Currently, foreigners who own properties worth more than €500,000 have the right to seek residence permits in Spain. These permits are temporary for the first year before becoming permanent.
