Putin, Russians caught in a Big Lie, assuring the world that the US was crazy in saying they were sending helicopters to Syria, the assuring the world that they wouldn't be used to kill civilians.

Great Britain decided differently.

Telegraph:

The British marine insurer Standard Club said it had withdrawn cover from all the ships owned by Femco, a Russian cargo line, including the MV Alaed.

"We were made aware of the allegations that the Alaed was carrying munitions destined for Syria," the company said in a statement. "We have already informed the ship owner that their insurance cover ceased automatically in view of the nature of the voyage."

British security officials confirmed they had told Standard Club that providing insurance to the shipment was likely to be a breach of European Union sanctions against the Syrian regime.

They said they were continuing to monitor the ship, which has been the subject of a fierce international row since US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton last week revealed it was adding to the arsenal of weaponry available for Mr Assad to use against rebellious Syrian towns.

[...]

The MV Alaed picked up its cargo of Mi25 helicopters - known as "flying tanks" - from the Russian port of Kaliningrad, where they had been sent to the state-owned manufacturer Mil's "Factory 150" for servicing and repairs.

No doubt the Syrians are going to use them for sightseeing tours over Damascus.