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On 24 February, we all woke up to a different world. That world was different for Russian oligarchs as well. On the day that Russia began to wage a full-scale war to destroy Ukraine, the entire civilised world started a war to destroy the pillars of Putin's regime economically.
Sanctions lists, asset freezing and property seizures were all implemented.
For six long months, Russia has been destroying the lives of millions of Ukrainians. Meanwhile the Kremlin oligarchs - who are “permanent residents” of various Caribbean islands and the Spanish, French and Italian Rivieras - continue to live a luxury lifestyle in full view of the whole world. They retain ownership of private jets and superyachts worth $100m, $200m, $500m and even $700m.
Under pressure from sanctions and threats of other potential legal difficulties, the Russian elite first fled to Dubai, then moved on to Turkey for the summer season.
Turkish waters, namely the picturesque Muğla province which includes the towns of Bodrum, Marmaris, Göcek and Fethiye, have now become a haven for the luxury yachts of Russia’s super-rich.
You can find these yachts in every port on the coast and in pretty much every picturesque bay in Turkey.
Ukrainska Pravda headed off to Turkey to reveal how the owners are trying to hide their yachts, even while all the world’s media attempt to keep a wary eye on them.
Over the course of several days, we were able to film both of the superyachts owned by Roman Abramovich, which are worth over $1 billion, and the yacht belonging to Alexander Abramov, Abramovich’s business partner. Our crew also found the icebreaker-turned-yacht that belongs to former KGB agent Vladimir Strzhalkovsky; the yacht owned by Leonid Mikhelson, one of the richest people in Russia; and two more oligarchs’ yachts belonging to Dmitry Rybolovlev (owner of giant fertiliser producer Uralkali) and banker Rustem Teregulov.
In one port we immediately spotted three yachts belonging to Dmitry Kamenshchik (owner of Domodedovo airport), Vagit Alekperov (owner of Lukoil, one of Russia’s largest oil companies) and Andrey Molchanov (one of the largest Russian property developers).
Some of these billionaires have already been sanctioned by the EU, some are under UK sanctions, and others don’t want to risk leaving their yachts in countries that are actively supporting Ukraine against Russia’s attack.
Writer and presenter: Mykhailo Tkach
Cinematographer: Yaroslav Bondarenko
Director: Andrii Ihnatenko
English translation: Elina Beketova
Translation editor: Teresa Pearce
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