United States Sells Luxury Yacht Amadea, Valued at Approximately $325 Million, in First Sale of a Seized Russian Yacht Since the Invasion of Ukraine
The U.S. government is auctioning the 106-meter Amadea superyacht, linked to sanctioned Russian oligarch Suleiman Kerimov, with proceeds potentially aiding Ukraine under a 2024 assistance law.
The United States government is holding a public auction for the luxury yacht Amadea, valued at approximately three hundred and twenty-five million dollars — marking the first sale of a Russian yacht seized since the start of the invasion of Ukraine.
The auction will conclude on 10 September 2025.
The Amadea, measuring about one hundred and six meters in length, was built in 2017 by the German company Lürssen, with interior design by François Zuretti.
It features eight guest cabins, a beauty salon, a spa, a gym, a helicopter, a swimming pool, and elevators.
The yacht accommodates up to sixteen guests and thirty-six crew members.
U.S. authorities allege that the true owner is Russian oligarch Suleiman Kerimov, who has been under sanctions since 2018.
However, Eduard Khudainatov, a former executive of Rosneft who is not under sanctions, claims to be the legitimate owner.
Prosecutors contend that Khudainatov is merely a “straw owner” acting as a front.
Khudainatov has appealed the ruling authorizing the yacht’s forfeiture, arguing that the sale under current circumstances is “inappropriate and premature” and could result in multiple legal claims.
Prospective buyers are required to place a deposit of ten million euros (approximately eleven point six million dollars) to participate in the bidding.
Funds from the sale may be used to support Ukraine, in accordance with an assistance law signed in May 2024.