A group of protesters in the UK opposing the Russian war on Ukraine has occupied a luxury mansion in one of the country’s upscale areas after learning it is owned by a Russian individual connected to President Vladimir Putin, one of the so-called "oligarchs" enjoying vast wealth. The activists stormed Belgrave Square shortly after midnight on Sunday and remained there until dawn on Monday, hanging Ukrainian flags and banners that read: "This property has been liberated," among other anti-war messages.
According to a report reviewed by "Al Arabiya" and published by the local newspaper "Evening Standard" in London, police were called to the property occupied by the protesters at around 1 a.m. after reports of a group entering the premises. The group opposing Russia stated that they occupied the mansion to show "solidarity with the people of Ukraine," and they expressed their intention to use the property as a refugee center.
The "Evening Standard" reports that the mansion is believed to belong to the family of Oleg Deripaska, one of seven Russian oligarchs recently sanctioned by British authorities as part of punishing Vladimir Putin's allies for launching the war on Ukraine. The six-story prime property in Belgrave Square was purchased for £25 million in 2003.
Deripaska was once among the wealthiest individuals connected to President Putin, amassing billions from his stakes in Russian aluminum industries, including the “En+ Group” he founded. He owns several properties in Britain valued at tens of millions.
Deripaska has been under U.S. sanctions since 2018 due to his ties to the Russian government, including allegations of cyberattacks and election interference, although he has dismissed these accusations as "lies," previously stating: "The idea that I am somehow part of the Kremlin is clearly nonsense."
