Conflicts & War

Russian oligarch’s plane among 100 grounded by US over export violations

Washington, Mar 18 (EFE).- Russian billionaire oligarch Roman Abramovich’s private jet and 99 others figured in the United States list of “effectively grounded” planes that allegedly flew into Russia in violation of the US export controls after the Ukraine invasion.

Abramovich’s Gulfstream G650ER private jet figures at the top of the list that also includes 99 Boeing commercial aircraft operated by Russian passenger and cargo carriers including Aeroflot, AirBridgeCargo, Aviastar, Utair, Nordwind, and Azur Air.

In a statement, the US Department of Commerce said Friday that these commercial and private aircraft “have flown into Russia in apparent violation of the Export Administration Regulations.”

“By preventing these aircraft from receiving any service, including from abroad, international flights from Russia on these aircraft are effectively grounded,” the department said.

“The Department of Commerce is demonstrating the power and reach of the actions we took over the past few weeks in response to Russia’s brutal war of choice against Ukraine,” said Secretary of Commerce Gina M. Raimondo.

“We are publishing this list to put the world on notice—we will not allow Russian and Belarusian companies and oligarchs to travel with impunity in violation of our laws.”

The department, on Feb.24, when Russia invaded, Ukraine imposed expansive and stringent controls on aviation-related items destined for Russia, including a new license requirement for specified aircraft or aircraft parts.

Similar controls were imposed on Belarus on Mar.2.

“As a result, any aircraft manufactured in the United States, or that is manufactured in a foreign country and includes more than 25 percent US-origin controlled content, is subject to a license requirement if such aircraft is destined for Russia,” the department said.

The department stressed that any subsequent actions taken about the listed aircraft, including refueling, maintenance, repair, or provision of spare parts or services, are subject to the prohibitions.

Abramovich is not part of the list of Russian oligarchs sanctioned by the US.

But he was sanctioned by the United Kingdom for his “close relationship” with Russian President Vladimir Putin.

The UK sanctions froze Abramovich’s assets and prohibited him from entering Britain. The Russian billionaire announced the sale of Chelsea. EFE

er/ssk

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