Putin-linked superyacht “hidden” from Ukrainian drones at Russian Northern Fleet base

The Graceful yacht, which is associated with Russian President Vladimir Putin, is currently in the port of Severomorsk.

This is reported by DR.

The vessel, as well as the warship Voevoda, which was part of the convoy accompanying the yacht, are visible in satellite images of the port taken on July 5. In addition, the Voevoda, which was sailing with its transponder turned off, briefly turned it on while being about 70 km from the port of Severomorsk.

The “Graceful” and the vessels accompanying it were spotted in late June off the coast of Denmark. The convoy transmitted a message that it was supposedly heading for Istanbul. Then the convoy passed along the coast of Norway and into Russian waters.

Severomorsk, near Murmansk, is home to the main naval base of the Russian Northern Fleet.

Experts believe that Graceful (after the war, the ship was renamed “Kosatka”) was sent to the port in Severomorsk in order to protect the yacht from attacks by Ukrainian drones. It is possible, the source told the publication, that the ship needed repairs, but he considers the version with the yacht’s protection from drones more plausible.

The 82-meter Graceful is considered the second largest yacht (after the 140-meter “Scheherazade”) used by the Russian president. Previously, it was spotted several times in Sochi, when Putin was there. The cost of the yacht, according to various estimates, is 100-120 million dollars.