By Lucca De Paoli and Bloomberg, March 14, 2022
A London mansion owned by members of Russian billionaire Oleg Deripaska’s family has been occupied by protesters opposing the invasion of Ukraine, sparking a confrontation with police.
The group made their way into the home on Belgrave Square — one of the city’s most affluent districts — at 1 a.m. this morning, according to a member of the group, who declined to give his name. Almost 20 police in riot gear broke the front door down just before 12:30 p.m. Within 10 minutes, they had gained access, though occupiers remain inside.
A Ukrainian flag and banners hung from the home’s windows, including one saying “This property has been liberated.” The protesters say they were inspired by Nestor Makhno, who led a Ukrainian anarchist army in 1917.
