Rotenberg plans to convert the Yalta seaport into a casino and hotels
In the temporarily occupied city of Yalta, preparations are underway to demolish the passenger maritime terminal. The area around the port has already been fenced off with construction fencing, indicating that this high-profile project is now underway.
This involves a large-scale development of the site—plans call for the creation of a gaming zone featuring a casino and hotel complexes.
This was reported with reference to the Center for National Resistance.
The occupying authorities have decided to transform the maritime gateway to Crimea into a closed entertainment complex for the Russian elite.
“Recently, a construction fence has appeared around the Yalta seaport. This indicates the start of a long-planned large-scale project, which local residents have repeatedly opposed. Behind this is Vladimir Putin’s longtime friend—billionaire Arkady Rotenberg,” notes the Center for National Resistance.
The Center states that Yalta residents have repeatedly opposed this construction. People demanded that the occupation administration restore normal operations at the seaport and full-scale passenger service, which has effectively collapsed over the years of occupation. However, the interests of “Putin’s wallet” proved more important than the needs of the townspeople: instead of affordable maritime transport, Crimeans will get yet another facility behind a high fence, accessible only to a narrow circle of individuals close to the Kremlin.
What They Plan to Build
The idea of building a gambling zone in Crimea emerged as early as 2019, when it was planned for the village of Katsiveli. The main investor was a company linked to Arkady Rotenberg. In July 2024, the State Duma and the Federation Council passed a law allowing the zone to be relocated directly to the Yalta seaport.
What is planned to be built on the site of the port:
- gambling establishments (casinos);
- luxury hotels;
- spa complexes and restaurants;
- other entertainment facilities.
Who is Rotenberg
Arkady Rotenberg is a Russian oligarch, billionaire, and one of Vladimir Putin’s closest friends. Their relationship dates back to childhood, when they practiced judo together in the same club in Leningrad. Rotenberg is often referred to as the Russian president’s “wallet.” Thanks to his personal friendship with the dictator, his companies receive the largest government contracts in Russia without any real bidding.
It is Arkady Rotenberg who is behind the most high-profile construction projects in occupied Crimea:
- Crimean Bridge: His company, Stroygazmontazh, was the general contractor for the construction of the bridge across the Kerch Strait.
- The “Tavrida” Highway: The occupiers’ key logistics artery in Crimea was also built by his companies.
- Seizure of property: He owns numerous sanatoriums and land plots on the southern coast of Crimea
Due to the annexation of Crimea and Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, Rotenberg is subject to international sanctions imposed by all European Union countries, the United States, the United Kingdom, and a number of other states.
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