Trump Jr. and Kremlin-linked oligarch spent two days hunting in Mongolia

Donald Trump Jr. and Russian oligarch Umar Kremlev spent two days together in a hunting camp in western Mongolia in late August, according to a Financial Times investigation. The report relies on flight records, public documents, social media posts, and interviews with local guides and officials to map the itinerary.

Kremlev, who is 43, arrived in the Mongolian capital of Ulaanbaatar via a charter flight from Kazakhstan. He then traveled to the hunting camp in the west of the country. He was accompanied by Arthur Martirosov, a Russian businessman and partner in the US-sanctioned venture fund Voskhod. After the two-day stay, Kremlev returned to Ulaanbaatar.

One local participant in the trip stated that Trump Jr. and Kremlev were careful not to be photographed together while at the camp. A spokesperson for Trump Jr. said the men developed a personal friendship through a shared passion for hunting, fishing, and outdoor recreation. The spokesperson added that a mutual acquaintance from the hunting community introduced them and that no business relations exist between the two.

“Don has made clear that he has a personal friendship, not a business relationship, with Umar,” the spokesperson said. “Their friendship is largely based on their shared love for hunting, fishing and the outdoors. It shouldn’t be a surprise to anyone that they went hunting together earlier this year.”

During the trip, Trump Jr. hunted a rare Altai argali, an endangered species of wild sheep. He also met with Mongolian President Ukhnaagiin Khürelsükh. Kremlev serves as president of the International Boxing Association, a body headquartered in Lausanne that oversees international competitions. He previously headed the Russian Boxing Federation starting in 2017.

Counterintelligence experts warn that connections between the US president’s family and Russian-linked figures can create national security risks. Holden Triplette, who served as director of counterintelligence on the US National Security Council during Trump’s first term, noted that Russian intelligence services often try to weaponize relationships with high-value targets. “It really doesn’t matter if people have the most above board intentions,” Triplette said.

In early October, Kremlev claimed that Trump Jr. returned money that the Russian had spent on post-wedding celebrations. US Attorney General Todd Blanche previously stated he would not investigate Trump Jr.’s wedding, which was partially funded by Kremlev. While the Trump family has denied knowing Kremlev, Democrats on Capitol Hill have promised to launch an investigation.