Inside Putin’s £390m Flying Kremlin jet
Russian President Vladimir Putin obviously likes to travel in style. His flying fortress is fit is for a Tsar - and even comes with a gold-plated toilet.
Decorated in a neoclassical style with tapestries and golden hues, the IL-96-300PU jetliner has been lavishly fitted out with a fully-stocked bar, king-sized bed and gym.
Other features include a huge gold-trimmed conference table, cream leather seats, galley kitchen and a management centre capable of commanding troops and operations from the air.
The aircraft is one of four identical planes the tyrant uses. The actual jet to be used by Putin is not known until take-off, with the other three acting as decoys.
Capable of hitting speeds of up to 560mph, the plane has a special coating which makes it less visible to radar and is fitted with anti-aircraft defence systems.
Further security measures for the long-haul airliner include 68 fighter jets from the special Russian Aerospace Forces which can be called upon to repel attacks.
When images of the jet's luxury interiors were leaked several years ago they sparked fury among ordinary Russians - many of who are now fighting over food as economic sanctions start to bite.