Spain impounds yacht belonging to Russian oligarch
Spain’s Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez arrives at the Palace of Versailles, near Paris, on March 11, 2022, for the EU leaders summit to discuss the fallout of Russia’s invasion in Ukraine. AFP
MADRID — An 85-meter yacht belonging to a Russian oligarch was impounded Monday in the Spanish port of Barcelona, Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez said.
The Spanish newspaper El Pais reported that yacht seized is named Valerie, which it linked to Rostec defense firm chief Sergei Chemezov, an ally of Russian President Vladimir Putin.
“We have immobilized temporarily a yacht in Barcelona belonging to one of the main Russian oligarchs,” Sanchez told la Sexta, adding “others were to come.”
The yacht is worth 140 million dollars (128 million euros) and is 85 meters long, the premier said without giving other details.
Yachts are among the assets of oligarchs targeted by sanctions imposed by the United States and European Union following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.
Chemezov features prominently on the sanctions lists.
RELATED STORIES
Deadly strikes rock Ukraine despite talks with Russia
Battleground Ukraine: Day 19 of Russia’s invasion
Could a no-fly zone be implemented in Ukraine?
US expresses ‘deep concerns’ on Russia-China ‘alignment’
