inhabit “Scheherazade”
Italy confiscates Putin’s alleged mega-yacht
“Russian troops are stepping up the pace of their rocket attacks”
According to US estimates, Russian attacks on Ukraine are also aimed at destroying arms factories in Ukraine. WELT editor Alfred Hackensberger of Druzhkivka reports on the development of the attack.
A yacht worth 640 million euros had been in dry dock for months and now wanted to leave port – but Italian authorities prevented it Corruption investigators are certain it belongs to the Russian president. More in the live ticker
DItalian authorities have arrested the mega yacht “Scheherazade” lying in a Tuscan shipyard. The investigations revealed “important economic and commercial ties between the official owner of the ‘Scheherazade’ and important figures in the Russian government”, the Italian economy ministry said on Friday.
Apparently, the Minister of Finance, Daniele Franco, anticipated the departure and possible escape of the Scheherazade from Italian territory with his decision to confiscate the ship. The New York Times reported this week that the yacht was launched on Tuesday after months in dry dock. Crew members were seen rushing to load the vessel and the yacht was refueled the previous week.
The ministry did not release the name of the owner. According to Italian media, Eduard Khudainatov, the ex-head of Russian state-owned company Rosneft, is registered as the owner. The oil manager is also named as the owner of the super yacht Amadea, which was seized in Fiji on Tuesday.
Members of jailed Kremlin critic Alexei Navalny’s anti-corruption foundation had awarded the yacht to Russian President Vladimir Putin. Luxury yacht company The Italian Sea Group, which last worked on the vessel, announced a few weeks ago that according to documents Putin is not the owner.
Built in 2020 by the German company Lürssen, the ship will have two helipads, a swimming pool and a cinema, according to the specialized site SuperYachtFan, and is worth around 640 million euros.
Since Moscow invaded Ukraine on February 24, numerous yachts belonging to Russian oligarchs have been confiscated in Europe and around the world.
All events in the live ticker
03:25 Germany helps solve war crimes
Specialists from the Federal Criminal Police Office (BKA) are now helping to investigate alleged war crimes against civilians with expertise and equipment. According to a preliminary report, the Federal Ministry of the Interior confirmed at the request of the newspaper “Bild” that the first forensic documents were on their way to Ukraine. BKA forensic pathologists are said to help examine corpses and provide training in working at crime scenes. For security reasons, this should initially take place “in Germany or in a country neighboring Ukraine”.
11:50 p.m. – Ukraine is working on a diplomatic solution for Azovstal defenders
According to President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, Ukraine is working on a diplomatic solution to save defenders resisting the besieged Azovsteel steelworks in the port city of Mariupol. Influential mediators and states are involved in the efforts, Zelenskyj says in his nightly video message. He did not give details.
23:41 Biden announces new arms deliveries to Ukraine
US President Joe Biden has announced new arms deliveries to Ukraine. The United States has provided Ukraine with “additional artillery ammunition, radar and other equipment,” Biden said on Friday. A senior US government official estimated the value of this arms package at $150 million.
Biden called on parliament to quickly approve more arms shipments. “Congress must quickly provide the funds needed to strengthen Ukraine on the battlefield and at the negotiating table.” Funds approved so far are “almost exhausted”.
The United States has already pledged more than $3 billion in military aid to Ukraine since the Russian aggression war began on February 24. Congressional approval is required for additional funds. Basically, there is bipartisan support in the US House. However, Biden had demanded an unprecedented $33 billion.
11:39 p.m. – Zelenskyy calls on Ukrainians to be careful: “It’s your life”
Fearing air raids on Victory Day, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky called on his country’s citizens to be especially disciplined. “I ask all our fellow citizens – and especially these days – not to ignore the air alert,” said the head of state on Friday in his evening video address. “Please, this is your life, your children’s life.”
Ukrainians must strictly follow the orders of the authorities and observe local curfews. Zelenskyy said it was forbidden to enter the forests occupied by the Russian army because of the danger of mines.
Next Monday, May 9, Russia will celebrate the Soviet victory over Hitler’s Germany in World War II. In Ukraine, there are fears that Russia is planning particularly violent attacks on Ukraine on VE Day. Curfews lasting several days would be in force in certain towns near the front.