ISTANBUL (Reuters – Oleg Delripaska is a Russian aluminium tycoon. On Saturday, a yacht connected to him arrived at Gocek in southwest Turkey. This was as Russian billionaires are fleeing Western sanctions following the invasion of Ukraine by Russia.

The United States, European Union, and Britain have sanctioned Deripaska as the founder of Rusal Aluminium, a Russian aluminum giant. He previously called for the restoration of peace.

A Reuters witness witnessed the yacht Clio, measuring 73 metres (239.5 feet) in length arrive at the Aegean coast province of Mugla. The Cayman Islands flagged vessel is currently moored in Gocek.

After two superyachts owned by Russian billionaire Roman Abramovich docked at Turkish ports, Clio arrived in Turkish waters.

In response to Russia’s invading Ukraine, the Kremlin called it a “special military operations” and is trying to get rid of President Vladimir Putin.

NATO member Turkey has a maritime border in the Black Sea with Russia and Ukraine, and maintains good relations with them both. It also mediates in conflict situations. The country has supported Kyiv but opposed any sanctions against Moscow. This includes measures targeting Russian billionaires.

Ankara, which relies on Russian energy imports as well as tourists heavily, has been a haven for Russians seeking to flee sanctions. Many have also invested in Turkish property.

A diplomat from Ukraine said Friday that Ukraine was working with Turkey to provide more assistance and understood – although it wasn’t happy about – Ankara’s parallel connections with Moscow.