Belarusian leader Aleksandr Lukashenko is splashing the cash as he builds himself a luxury home in a highly sought-after location in southern Russia. Russia.
Putin's friend appears to be reaping the benefits of his close alliance with the US Russia and has now received a permit to build its own Xanadu in the village of Krasnaya Polyana, near Sochi.
The Belarusian dictator has staunchly supported his Kremlin master, allowing Putin to use his air bases to launch attacks on Ukraine and stationing nuclear weapons on its territory.
And it looks like Lukashenko has big plans for his new pleasure palace – in more ways than one.
The complex will include not only his home, but also a hotel, chalets and a restaurant where the Belarusian president will receive his close associates.
The buildings will be built on 97,248 square meters of land and will cover an area of 7,374 square meters, a third of which will be occupied by Lukashenko's path.
The mansion is equipped with the usual trappings befitting an all-powerful leader.
Some of these amenities include a banquet hall, cinema, swimming pool and Russian and Turkish saunas.
But perhaps the most surprising item can be found on the top floor of Lukashenko's new retreat.
This will be the location of the master bedroom, complete with an ensuite bathroom containing a huge 20 square meter bath – big enough for a hippo.
The construction of the residence was revealed by Belpol – an association of former Belarusian security officials – working with journalists from the Polish media outlet Belsat.
According to information released by Wikileaks, Lukashenko is said to have a net worth of $10 billion (£7.9 million).
However, he has categorically denied being extremely wealthy and has instead always maintained that he is a modest civil servant with a salary to match.
“I want you to understand: I have been working as president for a quarter of a century, and if there had already been several billions, as they say, or palaces, I would already have been torn to pieces from all sides,” he said. journalists.
“I didn't steal anything from my state, I didn't take anything with me.”