The UK says it has impounded several private jets linked to 'Putin's cronies'

The UK's transport secretary says the government has seized private jets that are linked to people close to Putin.

In the weeks since Putin sent troops to invade Ukraine, the West has imposed steep sanctions against Russian elites. The most high-profile displays of their wealth have been targeted.

Some of the jets and yachts that have been seized are known to belong to the same people.

Grant Shapps, the secretary of state for transport, told UK lawmakers in the House of Commons that private jets that they believe are owned by Putin's cronies have been seized.

Shapps did not provide further details on which jets had been held, but he told the BBC on March 9 that the UK had stopped any Russian planes from entering its airspace because of new rules. The jet is linked to Eugene Shvidler, according to the UK media.

Shapps said in a letter to UK airports and airfields on March 8 that UK air traffic control and UK airports are not to provide access to any aircraft which they have reason to believe is a Russian aircraft.

The Isle of Man, which is known as a tax haven for the super wealthy, has removed the registration of 17 private jets with Russian ties.

Alex Allinson, the Isle of Man's minister for enterprise, told Insider that the government was looking to remove any aircraft, ships, and yachts with Russian ties from the register.

The sanctions aim to put pressure on Putin to call off the invasion of Ukraine. The UK-based billionaire said that he didn't know how to live after being hit with sanctions.