VANCOUVER - Russia’s total bill to promote Sochi 2014 in Vancouver is expected to be no less than $25.1 million, according to a government audit.

The Accounts Chamber of the Russian Federation said Russia House at the Sochi World hospitality exhibition was the biggest expenditure at $7.8 million, followed by $7.76 million for the Olympic flag handover ceremony. It also spent $2.3 million on its VANOC observation and debrief program.

The hotel bill for the non-athletic Russian delegation was $746,738 plus $101,000 for daily expenses. Sports minister Vitaly Mutko spent $29,980 on a hotel room at the Fairmont Hotel Vancouver for 20 days, plus $4,800 in breakfast vouchers and $300 for Internet access.

By comparison, Canada’s Minister of State for Sport Gary Lunn billed Canadian taxpayers $10,213.49 for his Vancouver and Whistler hotel rooms from Feb. 4 to March 1.

The Russian government audit said $196 million was spent by Russia for Vancouver 2010, but blamed corruption and incompetence for waste. Russia had a worst-ever three gold medal performance at Vancouver 2010 and finished 11th with 15 overall medals.

bob.mackin@sunmedia.ca