Putin’s Global Property Reclamation: Unveiling Russian Efforts in Jerusalem
Watan-The Hebrew website “Walla” revealed Russian efforts, ordered by President Vladimir Putin, to reclaim ownership of properties under Russian control, including 5 sites in occupied Jerusalem.
The website reported that Russian President Vladimir Putin has allocated a budget to search for properties worldwide that were owned by the Russian Empire or the former Soviet Union.
Social activist and Russian immigrant monitor, Alex Tanzer, stated that Putin and Sergey Stefsen, responsible for reclaiming Russian properties, have been in talks and negotiations with the Israeli government for the past 20 years.
Five Sites in Occupied Jerusalem
Tanzer explained that these discussions, dating back to Sharon’s government, revolve around sites that Russia purchased in the 19th century and is now trying to reclaim.
Tanzer mentioned that there are currently 5 known sites that Russia can demand from Israel, including:
- St. Sergius Guest House, whose ownership was transferred to Russia in 2012.
- The complex of Alexander Nevsky Church, promised by Netanyahu to be handed over to Russia in 2018.
- 2,500 square meters on King George Street for the construction of a Russian consulate.
- Elizabeth Courtyard Hotel in Musrara (currently used as a detention center).
According to “Walla,” the Palestinian Authority led by Mahmoud Abbas had previously returned properties in Bethlehem and Jericho to Russian ownership.
The source clarified that Putin seeks to reclaim ownership and rights to these properties for the Russian Federation, with occupied Jerusalem being one of the cities where Russian assets will be sought.
Russian Management of the Properties
The Russian directives, issued through decrees related to the management of Russian or Soviet Union properties, involve providing support to a governmental body responsible for managing these properties.
It is expected that the list of properties, which may be found abroad and fall under the scope of the Russian decree “Half of Nice’s Shore,” includes buildings in Jerusalem and production facilities such as factories, shipyards, and others.
“Walla” quoted sources familiar with the matter, stating that Moscow is primarily interested in properties with cultural heritage, in addition to properties located in the occupied Palestinian territories such as Jerusalem.
Since 2000, around 4,000 properties of various values have been transferred to Russian ownership, including properties in Europe, the Middle East, and South Africa.
