Russia’s sanctions: Oligarch jets continue to fly over EU airspace

Our correspondents report live on the current situation.

You can listen to our WELT podcasts here

In order to display embedded content, the providers of embedded content need this consent as third-party providers, so your revocable consent to the sending and processing of personal data is required. [In diesem Zusammenhang können auch Nutzungsprofile (u.a. auf Basis von Cookie-IDs) gebildet und angereichert werden, auch außerhalb des EWR]. By setting the switch to “On” you agree to this (it can be withdrawn at any time). Article 49 (1) (a) Includes your consent to the transfer of specific personal data to third parties, including the United States, in accordance with GDPR. You can find more information about this here. You can withdraw your consent at any time through the switch and privacy at the bottom of the page.
EU airspace should actually be closed to Russian aircraft. But rich Russians are violating the embargo, research by WELT AM SONNTAG shows. Question rights structures often block access to authorities.
EIn fact, the announcement by the EU Commission President was not a mistake. “Our airspace will be closed to Russian aircraft – and private jets belonging to oligarchs” Ursula van der Leyen said in Brussels on 27 February. Three days ago, Russian troops invaded Ukraine. In addition to the commercial aviation business, the air closure should primarily affect wealthy businessmen who have been loyal to Russian President Vladimir Putin for years.

But it only works to a certain extent. Private planes owned by wealthy Russians are still circulating in Europe. In all, WELT AM SONNTAG has been able to identify about 30 suspected Russian planes and helicopters over European airspace since the beginning of EU sanctions.

Data on these flights are publicly available through flight tracking websites. There is credible evidence that these aircraft are owned or controlled by Russian businessmen. In mid-March, British authorities pulled a Cessna jet south of London G-LATO is not in circulation. The London Transport Ministry says Cesna is Russian oil billionaire Yevgeny Markowitsch Schwidler.

British Transport Secretary Grant Shops in front of a hijacked jet allegedly owned by Russian oil billionaire Yevgeny Schwitler

Source: Image Alliance / MPs
Svitler is considered a friend of Putin’s confidant and former football club owner Roman Abramovich. Before being captured in London, Switzerland’s private jet flew eight more times through the European Union and several times through German airspace. Even his last trip to London Launched March 18 in HamburgNo one there stopped the jet departure.