Yanukovych’s plane and 11 Russian business jets leave the Middle East

According to flight-tracking data, at least 11 Russian business jets departed from Middle Eastern airports for Moscow between March 2 and 3. One of them is said to be an aircraft linked to former Ukrainian President Viktor Yanukovych.

It is noted that the activity of Russian-registered aircraft increased in early March. Between the 1st and 3rd, several aircraft arrived at airports in the region, after which some of them departed for Moscow. In particular, the news reports indicate that one of the business jets, a Dassault Falcon 900C, has connections to Yanukovych, who is currently hiding in Russia.

Several business jets arrived in Oman during the period, some of which also landed in the United Arab Emirates. After a short stay there, some of the aircraft departed for the Russian capital, which coincided with the escalation of the conflict in the Persian Gulf, which could have raised security concerns.

Among the planes that flew to Moscow were those associated with Russian officials and business people, as well as those previously used by close associates.

In addition, investigators pointed to one letter that is related to the family of former Russian Security Council Secretary Nikolai Patrushev. It is also mentioned that regional airports are used for transit and regular flights to countries with partially open airspace.