The boat, Ragnar, a former KGB agent and a longtime friend of Vladimir Putin, is currently stranded in a Norwegian port as residents continue to refuse to refuel at sea.
According to DefenderThe 68-meter-long luxury yacht is owned by Russian oligarch Vladimir Stralkovsky.
After the start of the Russian offensive UkraineOn February 24, officials at the Norwegian port of Norwich asked Ragnar’s crew to “go home” or “lift ships”. However, due to the owner’s relationship with the Russian president, all suppliers refused to refuel him.
When asked by a Norwegian television channel, a local oil supplier made it clear: “Why should we help them? Let them line up at home.”
A boat under the Maltese flag
Rockner’s captain, former British Royal Marine Rob Lancaster, has accused Norwegian authorities of discriminating. He says the owner of the boat is not on the list of oligarchy groups allowed by Europe and that neither he nor his group of 15 are Russian citizens.
Similarly, the Russian boat is registered in Malta and sails under the Maltese flag.
Owner of Rockner, Vladimir Strzhalkovsky became the CEO of Norilsk Nickel, making his fortune in nickel mining. He has also served as Russia’s Deputy Minister of Economy and currently sits on the board of the Dynamo Moscow Football Club.
However, that person is not on the EU list of oligarchy groups allowed following the war in Ukraine.
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