Abramovich’s Tailwinds: Istanbul to Moscow Amid a Flood of Sanctions
Jet‑Set Shenanigans
Roman Abramovich took a quick hop from Istanbul to Moscow this Tuesday, with his private jet cutting through the sky at an ungodly FLIGHTRADAR24 speed. The fly‑by‑night trip marked the second time his jet shuttled between these two cities over the past three days. Earlier, the ol’ jet was spotted lounging in Tel Aviv’s VIP area — plot twist: it’s a Russian billionaire, not a jet‑for‑hire actor.
- Not a rendezvous with President Putin — sources say.
- Three-day whirlwind: Istanbul → Tel Aviv → Istanbul → Moscow.
The EU’s Luxury Lock‑Down
On Tuesday, the EU added Abramovich to its blacklist, joined by dozens of other Russian rich folks. That’s part of a trilogy of sanctions that have hit the Russian elite’s bank accounts, SWIFT links, and stash of opulence.
- Governments aim to isolate Putin and his clan over Ukraine’s invasion, which Russia dubs a “special operation.”
- New export bans target luxury goods: diamonds, crystals, caviar, wine, leather handbags, shoes, coats.
- Any Russian car over €50,000 (roughly $60k) is out of bounds.
- EU officials say the big aim? Strip the Russian elites of their “high‑life” hide‑and‑seek.
Britain goes Full‑Throttle
The UK sliced its own sanctions block on Tuesday, catching up with the EU and the US. The new law packs hefty red‑action: 100 billion pounds ($178 billion) worth of elites added to the hit list.
- UK’s Foreign Secretary, Liz Truss, proclaimed: “We’re hitting those closest to Putin faster than ever.”
- Targets include major oligarchs, the prime minister, and the pundits peddling Putin’s propaganda.
Sabotaging the Chelsea Deal
Abramovich was slated to sell Chelsea FC last week, but the British sanctions froze the sale. The Premier League’s board has disqualified him as a club director, and Chelsea is now running under a ‘special government license’ to keep the weird thing afloat.
Yachts Under the Microscope
With the money‑and‑luxury clamp‑down, European authorities have begun to seize yachts.
- Spain snagged the 48‑metre (157‑ft) luxury ship Lady Anastasia belonging to Alexander Mikheyev, a Russian weapons exporter on the EU list.
- Also in Spain: the 85‑metre (279‑ft) superyacht Valerie, owned by Sergey Chemezov, head of Russia’s state conglomerate Rostec.
- Chemezov has already faced US sanctions in 2014, UK sanctions in 2020, and new lists from the US and Australia.
What Happens Next?
There’s no guarantee the fresh EU sanctions will stall Abramovich’s $600 m yacht Solaris as it cruises past Albania’s coast. Authorities might now crack down on such vessels, especially those linked to a sanctioned individual. If the yacht’s destination changes again, European water might become a tight spot for a top‑class private cruiser.
Final Thought
In a nutshell: a billionaire jetting between Istanbul and Moscow, a flood of sanctions that dent the Russian elite’s extravagant wardrobe, and a British decree that’s basically saying, “Hey, we’re tightening the grab bag.” It’s a song of power‑play, and the world’s ears are keenly hearing it.
