Donald Trump Jr. Discussed Potential Business with Kremlin-Linked Oligarch in Kazakhstan

Donald Trump Jr. met with Umar Kremlev, the head of the sanctioned International Boxing Association, during a trip to Kazakhstan earlier this year, according to two sources cited by the Russian outlet Important Stories. The meeting follows Kremlev’s involvement in funding Trump Jr.’s May wedding in the Bahamas and accompanying him on a hunting trip in Mongolia.

Kremlev, described as a close confidant of sanctioned Russian leader Vladimir Putin, travels with armed guards provided by Russia’s National Guard, a protection level typically reserved for high-ranking state officials. He is also reported to have close ties to Alexei Rubezhnoi, head of Russia’s presidential security service.

"Kremlev is a dear friend of the couple," Bettina Anderson said.

Trump Jr. has said there is nothing improper about his relationship with Kremlev, though the exact content of their discussion remains unclear. The alleged prospect of business negotiations adds to ongoing security concerns about the Trump family’s connections to individuals linked to the Kremlin.

The family is already under intense scrutiny as Democrats prepare congressional investigations following their victories in the recent midterm elections. Previous reporting linked Trump-related development projects in Georgia to Russian-connected oligarchs who are under U.S. sanctions.

In 2025, Donald Trump Jr. and his brother Eric invested in Skyline Builders, which acquired a 20 percent stake in Kaz Resources, a tungsten mining firm in Kazakhstan. Shortly after, the United States and Kazakhstan signed an agreement granting a Kaz Resources affiliate access to major tungsten deposits, and federal agencies have considered a combined $1.6 billion in funding for the project.

The Daily Beast sought comment from Trump Jr.’s representatives and the White House but did not receive a response.