The European Union has expanded the list of individuals and entities sanctioned over the Russian invasion of Ukraine, including lessor GTLK - State Transport Leasing.
"GTLK is a legal entity, financially supporting and benefitting from the Government of the Russian Federation, which is responsible for the annexation of Crimea and the destabilisation of Ukraine," the European Council said in its decision. The lessor's GTLK Europe, GTLK Asia, and GTLK Middle East subsidiaries were also included on the list.
The lessor has assets worth USD1.3 billion. The ch-aviation fleets ownership module shows it owns 114 aircraft, including fifty-four SSJ 100/95s and 60 Western-built aircraft. It has orders, exclusively in Russia, comprising twenty-two Il-114-300s and eight SSJ 100/95s. Most of its customers are in Russia, with the largest ones being Yamal Airlines (20 leased aircraft), Aeroflot (15), and Azimuth (13).
The European Council approved the new, fifth package of sanctions on April 8, 2022, adding 216 individuals and 17 entities. In total, 1,110 individuals and 83 entities are now banned from dealing with European Union firms and persons.
Other firms added to the list of sanctions include VTB Bank, Sovcombank, Novikombank, as well as Rostec subsidiaries United Engine Corporation and UEC Klimov manufacturing engines for military aircraft. Among the individuals sanctioned is Yuri Slyusar, the Chief Executive of UAC United Aircraft Corporation, a Rostec-owned holding for all major Russian aircraft manufacturers.
