A Ukrainian sailor has been arrested in Spain for partially sinking his Russian tycoon boss’ $7.7 million yacht in response to Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.
Taras Ostapchuk, 55, was taken into custody on Saturday, February 26th in Mallorca, Spain after he allegedly opened several valves to intentionally flood his Russian boss’ luxury super yacht, according to reporting by the Majorca Daily Bulletin.
The 156-foot-long vessel — named Lady Anastasia — is owned by Russian businessman Alexander Mijeev, the CEO of Russian military weapons company Rosoboronexport.
When the police arrived to arrest Ostapchuk, he allegedly stated: “My boss is a criminal who sells weapons that kill the Ukrainian people.”
The crew member, who had worked on the yacht as a mechanic for ten years, said he decided to sabotage the yacht after he saw news reports about Russia invading Ukraine.
“I watched the news about the war. There was a video of a helicopter attack on a building in Kyiv. The armaments used are produced by the yacht owner’s company. They were attacking innocents,” Ostapchuk said in court.
Speaking to the judge, he said that he did not regret his actions and that he “would do it again.”
The luxury yacht reportedly suffered severe damage to its engine room.
Ostapchuk was later released from custody, and has since left Spain. He says that he is planning to return to his native country to help fight against the invasion.
“I’m going to fight. As soon as I reach the first Ukrainian city I will look for a military commander and ask him if they need me,” Ostapchuk told the Majorca Daily Bulletin.
“I told myself: ‘Why do I need a job if I have my country. I had a good job as a head mechanic on the boat and a good salary but I am going to fight for my nation,” he added.
”I am not going to lose my country. I am not a hero, I’m a middle-aged man, but I have a lot of experience as a mechanic,” Ostapchuk continued.
“I’ve never held a weapon but if necessary I will. Why not!” he concluded.
