UK grounds private jet with possible Russian ties

A private jet has been grounded in the UK, while "possible Russian links" are investigated, transport secretary Grant Shapps has said.

Shapps said ministers were taking action against the Russian president Vladimir Putin and his "illegal war" in Ukraine, by banning all aircrafts owned, operated or chartered by Russians from flying to or landing in the UK.

The jet, which is registered in Luxembourg, had landed in Farnborough, a town about 55km southwest of London, after flying from the US on 3 March. UK officials believe Eugene Shvidler, an oil tycoon, was a passenger.

The Department for Transport said it would not comment on any links to individuals while it investigated the issue further.