Russian military aircraft lands in Israel, departs for Abu Dhabi ahead of Russia-Ukraine talks

A Russian Tu-154 military aircraft, under US sanctions, landed at Ben Gurion Airport and later departed for Abu Dhabi, where Russia-Ukraine peace talks are scheduled. The plane's passengers and purpose remain undisclosed.

A Russian military Tu-154 aircraft, under US sanctions, landed at Ben-Gurion Airport on Sunday evening, November 8, and departed for Abu Dhabi on Monday, November 9. Flightradar24 data shows the aircraft, registration RA-85042, took off from Chkalovsky airfield near Moscow. Who was on board and the purpose of the visit are unknown; Israeli security services declined to comment. The plane is among 37 Russian aircraft sanctioned by the US in May 2023. Previously used by the Wagner Group, it is now operated by the Russian military. Peace talks between Russia and Ukraine are set to resume in Abu Dhabi on Wednesday, November 11.