Putin ally's seized luxury yacht 'Royal Romance' transfers to Ukraine, boosting its assets
6:33 AM EST, January 26, 2024
Olena Duma, the head of ARMA (Ukraine's Agency for Investigations and Asset Management), reported that Frano Matusić, the Secretary of State of the Ministry of Foreign and European Affairs of the Republic of Croatia and the head of the inter-ministerial working group for support for Ukraine, has been informed of the court decision.
The decision to transfer the ship to Ukraine was made based on an investigation into legal aid.
Duma also disclosed that the yacht "Royal Romance" had undergone a technical review. During the inspection, the vessel's condition is to be examined, as well as its revaluation. ARMA has already obtained permission to do so.
"Regarding media reports about the relocation of Viktor Medvedchuk's confiscated yacht, the most important thing is not to panic. ARMA is closely monitoring the situation and has credible data that the confiscated yacht has been temporarily relocated to test its technical abilities, buoyancy, and engine performance," Olena Duma said.
Putin's ally loses luxury yacht with potential profits for Ukraine following its sale
As reported by the "Ukrinform" portal, the 301-foot luxury yacht "Royal Romance," confiscated by Croatian law enforcement agencies, belongs to Viktor Medvedchuk, a former Ukrainian deputy known for his close ties with Russian President Vladimir Putin.
The yacht is impressive not just in terms of size but also its luxury. It has as many as six floors. The amenities available to the owner are a gym, cinema, pool, spa, beauty salon, and about 50 other rooms for various purposes.
Croatian authorities seized The yacht from Viktor Medvedchuk due to Medvedchuk's presence on the international sanctions list, prompted by his close relationships with Vladimir Putin. Rumors suggested that Medvedchuk was set to take power after Russia took control of Kyiv.
The relationship between Putin and Medvedchuk extends beyond politics and encompasses personal ties. Putin is the godfather of Medvedchuk's youngest daughter. Putin once brokered an exchange of Viktor Medvedchuk and 55 Russian soldiers for 200 Ukrainian prisoners, including 108 soldiers from the famed "Azov" regiment.
