Putin's yacht ‘Graceful’ abruptly leaves Germany amid sanctions warnings over Ukraine

Russian President Vlimir Putin’s yacht named ‘Graceful’ left Germany abruptly before even finishing repairs, according to reports from German media. While it is still unclear what prompted move, it is imperative to mention that this comes amid a time when West has warned Moscow of sanctions over ongoing Russia-Ukraine border tensions. As per reports, Putin’s $100 million yacht left port in Hamburg and relocated to Kaliningr, which is part of Russian territory. 

Following reports of Putin’s yacht being relocated, some political analysts speculated that sanctions could target certain luxury assets which is why Graceful was spotted sailing for Kaliningr. According to Boat International report, yacht arrived last year in Hamburg, where it has been receiving several modifications, including two forward balconies and an extension to swimming platform. However, now, amid fears West would impose sanctions if Russia inved Ukraine, boat was spotted on a public maritime-traffic-tracking site sailing towards Russia from Hamburg shipyard.

According to Business Insider, Putin’s $100 million yacht was built by German shipbuilding company Blohm and Voss. It was officially launched in 2014 and it is designed by H2 Yacht Design. Graceful is classified as a tri-deck superyacht and it is 270 feet long and equipped with a gym, a saloon featuring a white Steinway piano, a spa, a library, and a 49-foot indoor pool that can be converted into a dance floor.

Russia-Ukraine crisis 

Meanwhile, reports of Putin’s yacht being relocated come amid fears West would impose sanctions if Russia inved Ukraine. Moscow has alrey surrounded Ukraine with more than 100,000 troops, along with military hardware and equipment, stirring fears of an invasion. Even though Russia has denied that country is planning an invasion, US and several or EU nations are moving thousands of troops to Eastern Europe in order to defend ir allies. 

US intelligence has indicated that a large-scale invasion by Russia could le to deaths of 50,000 civilians and fall of government in Kyiv within two days. On or hand, Moscow called those predictions “scaremongering”. Russia also continues to reiterate that it has no plans to attack any country.

(Image: Twitter/AP)