In a troubling turn of events, Igor Makarov, the former Russian national hockey team forward and husband of television presenter Lera Kudryavtseva, has accumulated a significant tax debt of 2.1 million rubles, approximately 13 million tenge. This debt stems from his individual entrepreneurship and has become a pressing issue as Makarov struggles to find stable employment following his retirement from professional sports five years ago.
Sources close to Makarov have revealed that his life has taken a downward spiral since he hung up his skates. After his career ended, he attempted to venture into business but faced failures in trade. His aspirations of becoming a coach, a common path for retired athletes, did not materialize either. As a result, Makarov has been officially unemployed, making it increasingly difficult for him to address his financial obligations.
In a candid admission, Kudryavtseva has opened up about the challenges she faces in her marriage, particularly regarding Makarov's struggles with alcohol addiction. "I'm in debt. I'm codependent. My morning starts with overcoming because there's no strength from words at all. I'm tired of saving and feeling sorry. I don't know what to do. I need a psychologist. I primarily want to scream and bang my head against the wall. I just cry from hopelessness," she shared on social media.
Kudryavtseva's revelations highlight the emotional toll that Makarov's situation has taken on their family. The couple has been together since 2012 and has a six-year-old daughter named Masha. Kudryavtseva's public statements reflect her struggle with what experts call codependency, a condition where one partner feels compelled to help the other at their own expense.
Irina Smolyarchuk, director of the Anti-Crisis Psychological Center and a psychoanalyst, provided insight into Kudryavtseva's situation. In her discussion with "Radio 1," Smolyarchuk noted, "Lera Kudryavtseva is a living person, and nothing human is alien to her, so she has gone through a full path of codependency and has stopped at the last stage: recognizing the problem."
Smolyarchuk elaborated on the psychological dynamics at play, explaining that Kudryavtseva initially believed her love could help Makarov overcome his addiction. "Having fallen in love with a hockey player, she thought that she could cope with his alcohol addictions, that her love would reduce his craving for alcohol. Lera Kudryavtseva went through this path of codependency. She started with exaltation, then saw the problem, got involved in the rescue, as most do. Then she gave up, because alcohol is stronger," Smolyarchuk said.
As Makarov's struggles continue, Kudryavtseva's emotional state has become increasingly fragile. She has expressed feelings of helplessness and exhaustion, battling the weight of her husband's addiction and the financial strain it has caused. "She took on the mission of God, but realized that she is absolutely powerless against the disease. She couldn't cope with them together," Smolyarchuk added, emphasizing the broader implications of such struggles.
For many in similar situations, the emotional burden can lead to significant personal and relational challenges. Smolyarchuk noted that often, people in codependent relationships find themselves living in a distorted family dynamic. "Now nine out of ten women choose to live as three: her, her husband, and alcoholism. And in this situation, the whole system flies into disarray, including children, relatives, career, self-esteem, and so on," she explained.
The impact of Makarov's addiction and financial troubles extends beyond just the couple. Their daughter, Masha, is also affected by the instability in their home life. The emotional and psychological ramifications of such situations can be profound, often requiring professional intervention to navigate.
As the couple faces these challenges, Kudryavtseva's call for help and acknowledgment of her struggles serves as a reminder of the often-hidden battles many families endure. The journey toward healing and recovery is complex, and for Kudryavtseva, it begins with recognizing her own needs and seeking support.
In light of these developments, the public is left to ponder the broader implications of addiction and codependency within relationships. The situation serves as a stark reminder of the importance of mental health awareness and the need for open conversations about these issues.
As Kudryavtseva continues to navigate her personal challenges, many are hopeful that both she and Makarov can find a path toward recovery and stability, not just for themselves but also for their young daughter. The story of their family is one of resilience, love, and the struggle to overcome adversity in the face of overwhelming odds.
