MONTRÉAL — Russia is lobbying the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) during its 42nd assembly, held from September 23 to October 3, 2025, in Montréal, Canada, seeking to relax sanctions imposed on its aviation sector. Moscow claims that current restrictions endanger flight safety, despite ICAO’s 2022 condemnation of Russia for violating Ukrainian airspace and for dual aircraft registration. Reuters reports that Russia is also attempting to gain a seat on ICAO’s governing council.
Western sanctions fuel Russia’s aircraft supply challenges
Following Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022, Western sanctions cut off access to foreign aircraft and spare parts. Russian airlines have since relied on “grey” import channels to maintain more than 700 aircraft, primarily Airbus and Boeing models. Authorities now push for easing sanctions on critical spare parts, framing restrictions as “illegal coercive measures infringing on the human right to freedom of movement.” Moscow also criticizes the closure of airspace by 37 countries and bans on maintenance and insurance services for Russian planes.
U.S. reversal on Belarus airline raises concerns
The September 11, 2025, U.S. decision to lift sanctions on Belarusian carrier Belavia has sparked unease among experts, as the airline could channel spare parts to Russia. Belavia operates six Boeing planes, but lifted restrictions allow procurement at volumes exceeding its immediate needs, potentially aiding Russian aviation. U.S. officials are reportedly working to prevent sanctioned components from reaching Russia, though past experience shows Moscow and Minsk have developed multiple methods to bypass Western limitations.
Russian aviation safety incidents underline sector vulnerability
Russia’s reliance on commercial aircraft is critical for domestic cargo and passenger transport across 11 time zones, yet incidents reveal structural weaknesses. In late July, a Soviet-era Antonov An-24 from 1976 crashed in the Russian Far East, killing all 48 on board. Days later, Aeroflot canceled dozens of flights following a cyberattack on its computer systems. These events highlight the aging fleet and operational challenges confronting Russian civil aviation.
ICAO’s authority and neutrality at stake
ICAO establishes global aviation safety standards, and concessions to Russia could undermine both the agency’s and the United Nations’ credibility. Sanctions target not just civil aviation development but aim to limit Russia’s ability to leverage international resources for continued military aggression in Ukraine. Experts warn that easing restrictions could set a precedent allowing aggressive states to evade accountability under humanitarian pretexts. Maintaining neutrality and adherence to international law is pivotal for ICAO’s integrity.
International implications and Western strategy
Western nations face a balancing act between addressing safety concerns and preventing the circumvention of sanctions. Preserving ICAO’s impartiality while upholding restrictions imposed due to Russian aggression is crucial to sustaining the legitimacy of international institutions. The outcome of the Montréal assembly may test the resolve of global aviation governance and broader enforcement of international norms.
