Peace flotilla sets sail to Russian oligarch's lodge to protest Ukraine invasion

Thursday, 10 March 2022

A peace flotilla, organised by Greenpeace, is sailing to Alexander Abramov's estate in Helena Bay, Northland, to protest the war in the Ukraine and pressure the government to impose more sanctions against Russian oligarchs. First published, March 10

Boats have set sail from Auckland’s Waitematā Harbour for a Russian obligarch’s lodge in Northland, in a “peace flotilla” to protest the Ukraine invasion.

Greenpeace, which will join the flotilla later on Thursday, has called on the Government to freeze Alexander Abramov’s assets, putting further pressure of Vladimir Putin to end the war on Ukraine.

Alongside the Greenpeace yacht, SV Vega, nine other boats are due to make the journey to Helena Bay.

The peace flotilla hopes to reach the Russian oligarch’s lodge by Sunday.

On Saturday, Greenpeace called on the Government to immediately freeze the New Zealand assets of Russian oligarchs close to Vladimir Putin until the Russian president ends his war against Ukraine.

**READ MORE:

Greenpeace Aotearoa programme director Niamh O’Flynn led a flotilla protest to Russian oligarch Alexander Abramov’s property in Helena Bay.

* Prospect of diplomatic solution to Russia's war on Ukraine shrinking, Foreign Minister Nanaia Mahuta says

* Government to pass law urgently to freeze Russian assets, close New Zealand airspace and waters to Russian aircraft and vessels

A peace flotilla is preparing to sail north to protest the war in the Ukraine and put pressure the government to impose more sanctions against Russia.

* Greenpeace wants NZ to act quickly over Russian oligarch assets

* New Zealand's richest Russian investor in the spotlight after invasion

Security at Helena Bay lodge has been increased, the same day as communist graffiti was seen in the area.

More than 8000 people have now signed a petition in support.

The peace flotilla is calling on the Government to freeze Alexander Abramov’s assests.

Greenpeace has condemned the Russian government’s war in Ukraine, and has called on President Putin to immediately pull back his forces and cease military operations.

Greenpeace Aotearoa programme director Niamh O’Flynn said in a speech before the boats took off, that they “set sail for peace and prosperity”.

“We set sail in solidarity with the people in Ukraine, with the activists in Russia and all of those effected by war,” O’Flynn said.

Greenpeace said it wanted to make sure the Government put the laws into action and hoped the sailing would add pressure.

“People in Ukraine are dying now. There can be no delay. Our message to the Government is to freeze oligarch assets now,” O’Flynn said.

“If the Government is serious about using sanctions to pressure Putin, then they must go for the big fish quickly. That means freezing Alexander Abramov’s assets, as New Zealand’s richest Russian investor,” she said.

On Tuesday, Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern announced the Government would pass a law that could freeze Russian assets and ban Russian super yachts, ships and aircraft in New Zealand waters and airspace.

Ardern described the Russian invasion as “the blatant act of a bully – brutal, intolerable, and an act of aggression”.

Ardern has also promised “these won't be the only steps we will take, but these are measures that we can undertake quickly”.

The prime minister said Russian investment in New Zealand stood about $40 million, and Russian oligarchs could be targeted under the new law.

The peace flotilla is aiming to arrive at Helena Lodge on Sunday.

Security at Helena Bay lodge was increased on Thursday, the same day as communist graffiti was seen in the area.

CORRECTION: An earlier version of this story said Helena Bay is Alexander Abramov’s home. It is a commercial lodge. Updated at 5.35pm, March 10, 2022.