Putin’s inner circle continues to enjoy luxury travel despite sanctions — The Wall Street Journal

Members of Russian leader Vladimir Putin’s inner circle continue to enjoy many of the privileges they had before the full-scale invasion of Ukraine, despite Western sanctions, UATV English reports, citing The Wall Street Journal.

According to the publication, wealthy Russians close to Putin still travel aboard Western-made private jets. While sanctions have forced the Russian elite to adjust their lifestyles, they have done little to limit their ability to travel.

Instead of destinations such as London, the French Riviera, and the Swiss Alps, many have shifted their travel to countries including the United Arab Emirates, Türkiye, and Azerbaijan.

The Wall Street Journal’s investigation, based on aviation industry records, import data, and flight-tracking information, found that a network of companies acquires business jets from Western manufacturers, including second-hand aircraft, and registers them in alternative jurisdictions.

According to the report, this system allows sanctioned Russian elites to continue using luxury private aviation despite restrictions imposed by Western countries.

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