MOSCOW, January 26. /TASS/. The "palace" on Russia’s Black Sea coast in Gelendzhik, which was described as owned by Russian President Vladimir Putin in a recent "investigation", belongs to one or several businessmen, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov told reporters Tuesday. Meanwhile, the Kremlin believes it is inappropriate to reveal the names of the building owners.
When asked if the owners of the "palace" are known, Peskov said, "It is clear that a businessman is the owner." "Indeed, it is a big building, it is well known in Gelendzhik," he noted. "One or several [businessmen] directly or indirectly own this building."
At the same time, the spokesman underlined that the Kremlin "has no right to reveal the names of these owners." "We are not going to do it just because it would be inappropriate," he explained.
Commenting on a journalist’s claim that the aforementioned "investigation" does not brand Putin as the owner, Peskov stressed, "I cannot agree with you." "This investigation claims that it is Putin’s palace and that it was built for Putin," he pointed out. "I categorically disagree with you on this point."
The spokesman recalled that the Russian leader earlier "unequivocally gave a negative answer to this question." "Moreover, he said that neither he nor his relatives have or have had any connection to this building, let alone own it," Peskov concluded.
All residences of Putin are well-known to all, both in Russia and abroad, according to Peskov.
"All of the president’s residences are well-known," he said. "The president holds various meetings, both domestic and international, there."
"All of them (residences) are known to people not only in Russia but outside it as well," he added.