Sanctioned Russian Defense Ministry jet lands in Israel after departing Moscow military base

The Tupolev Tu-154M, which departed from a military base near Moscow, has been on the US sanctions list since 2023.

A jet operated by the Russian Defense Ministry landed in Israel's Ben-Gurion Airport on Sunday evening, flight-tracking data from FlightRadar24 showed.

The Tupolev Tu-154M, which departed from a military base near Moscow, has been on the US sanctions list since 2023.

The Chkalovsky Air Base from which the flight originated is the primary operational hub for the Russian Defense Ministry, which manages VIP transport and government missions for high-ranking military officials and official delegations.

Aircraft sanctioned by US for assisting Wagner mercenary group

The aircraft belongs to the 223rd Flight Unit of the Russian Defense Ministry, itself a sanctioned entity, as the US State Department accused the unit of transporting personnel and equipment belonging to the Wagner mercenary group to countries where Wagner operated.

As part of the May 19, 2023, action, the US identified 37 aircraft associated with the unit as blocked property, including RA-85042.

The Jerusalem Post has reached out to the IDF, the Russian Embassy, and several US government bodies for comment.

The aircraft was listed under Executive Order 14024, which authorizes sanctions targeting Russia's harmful foreign activities, including those connected to its war against Ukraine.