Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov has been in a long-standing relationship with Svetlana Polyakova, an employee of the Russian Foreign Ministry. The relationship has been confirmed through a video of a ceremony at the Russian Orthodox Church, where Polyakova was awarded an order for her assistance in the reconstruction of the temple.
An investigation found that Polyakova owns luxurious properties in Russia and the UK, including an apartment in a high-end complex in Moscow, a mansion in the Odintsovo district, and a house in London's Kensington area. Her daughter, Polina, owns several companies in the UK and has acquired real estate in London.
The investigation raises questions about the source of Polyakova's wealth, as her salary as a Foreign Ministry employee would not be enough to afford such luxurious properties. The Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs did not respond to requests for comment.
Here are the key facts extracted from the text:
1. Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov was awarded an ancient icon of St. Sergius of Radonezh by Patriarch Kirill.
2. Lavrov addressed the public at the consecration ceremony of the Church of St. Sergius of Radonezh in Tsarskoye Selo.
3. The church was restored under Emperor Nicholas II and then closed and demolished under the Bolsheviks.
4. Vladimir Putin visited the restored temple on the same day as Lavrov's speech.
5. A mysterious woman in a dark coat and white scarf was seen accompanying Lavrov and Putin.
6. The woman was later identified as Svetlana Aleksandrovna, an employee of the Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
7. Svetlana Aleksandrovna was awarded an order from Patriarch Kirill for her assistance in the reconstruction of the temple.
8. Svetlana Polyakova, a close associate of Lavrov, has significant influence in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
9. Polyakova has traveled with Lavrov at least three times, including to Sochi and St. Petersburg.
10. Polyakova owns a residential complex in Moscow, including a house with an area of almost 500 square meters.
11. The approximate cost of this property is 60 million rubles.
12. Polyakova also owns a premium class residential complex in Sochi.
13. Polyakova has a fleet of luxury cars, including a Mercedes-Benz S 350, Mercedes-Benz G, and Porsche Panamera.
14. Polyakova's daughter, Polina, studied at the London Imperial College Business School.
15. Polina has become a resident of the UK and owns several companies in London.
16. Polina purchased a house in the Kensington area of London for more than 4 million pounds sterling.
17. Polyakova's family has acquired assets worth more than 1 billion rubles, including real estate and luxury cars.
18. The source of the family's wealth is unclear, but they do not appear to have any obvious sources of income.
Note: These facts are based on the text and may not be independently verified.