Russian military aircraft lands at Ben Gurion Airport

Ben Gurion Airport Russian Defense Ministry Tupolev Tu-154M 223rd Flight Unit US sanctions

A Russian military aircraft, identified as a Tupolev Tu-154M with registration RA-85042, landed at Ben Gurion Airport on Sunday, November 8. The aircraft belongs to the 223rd Flight Unit of the Russian Defense Ministry, a unit responsible for transporting high-ranking government officials and military personnel.

The flight originated from the Chkalovsky Air Base near Moscow, traveling over the Black Sea and Turkish airspace before arriving in Israel. The aircraft is currently subject to United States Treasury Department sanctions imposed in May 2023 in response to the war in Ukraine. The 223rd Flight Unit was specifically designated by the U.S. for its alleged role in transporting Wagner Group personnel and equipment.

Both the Israeli military and the Russian embassy have declined to comment on the purpose of the flight or the identity of the passengers. While the landing has raised questions regarding diplomatic or security meetings, there is currently no official confirmation regarding the nature of the visit.

Entities

Ben Gurion Airport · Chkalovsky Air Base · Russian Defense Ministry · Russian Ministry of Defense · United States · Wagner Group

Claims

What the coverage asserts, and how many sources carry each claim.

[● 2 SOURCES] The aircraft belongs to the 223rd Flight Unit of the Russian Ministry of Defense. www.oslobodjenje.ba · neokohn.hu
[○ 1 SOURCE] The flight landed at approximately 21:00 local time. www.oslobodjenje.ba
[○ 1 SOURCE] Israeli authorities and the Russian embassy declined to comment on the arrival. www.oslobodjenje.ba
[● 2 SOURCES] The aircraft and the 223rd Flight Unit are under United States sanctions. www.topky.sk · neokohn.hu
[● 3 SOURCES] A Russian Ministry of Defense Tu-154M aircraft landed at Ben Gurion Airport. www.oslobodjenje.ba · www.topky.sk · neokohn.hu
[○ 1 SOURCE] The U.S. Department of State has accused the 223rd Flight Unit of transporting Wagner Group personnel and equipment. neokohn.hu
[● 3 SOURCES] The aircraft departed from the Chkalovsky military airbase near Moscow. www.oslobodjenje.ba · www.topky.sk · neokohn.hu
[● 2 SOURCES] The aircraft has the registration number RA-85042. www.oslobodjenje.ba · www.topky.sk