Russia has called on the International Civil Aviation Organization to ease sanctions

According to multiple working documents and informed sources, Russia has urged aviation industry leaders attending the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) conference in Montreal this week to ease sanctions on Russian aircraft parts supply and airspace overflight, criticizing the sanctions imposed on Russia worldwide due to the war as "illegal coercive measures".

Reuters reported that since Russia's invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, Western countries have imposed sanctions on Russia, cutting off Russian airlines' access to foreign-made aircraft and components, forcing them to purchase parts through complex and indirect import routes.

A Russian aviation industry insider told Reuters that the Russian authorities are currently seeking sanctions exemptions, especially for components that are crucial to flight safety.

At this conference, Russia made demands to the regulatory authorities and the representatives present, emphasizing the importance of lifting restrictions on components and air rights. The conference will open on Tuesday (September 23rd) and last until October 3rd.

In the working document submitted to the conference, Russia claimed that the sanctions violated international rules and hoped to run for a seat on the ICAO Council. This move has been opposed.

A spokesperson for Global Affairs Canada said on Saturday (the 20th) : "Canada is aware of Russia's application to join the ICAO Council and does not support its election."

A document submitted by Russia stated: "Illegal coercive measures disregard nationality and citizenship, infringing upon people's right to free passage."

The document also requires ICAO to take all practical measures to prevent member states from imposing political bias, discrimination and coercive measures in the field of international civil aviation.

The document criticizes that 37 countries have closed their airspace, banned Russian airlines from flying, and imposed bans on aircraft maintenance and insurance.

Insiders said that the fleets of Russian Boeing and Airbus are relatively old and not all their components can be imported through "grey" channels, which means that a large number of Western-made aircraft may be forced to be grounded.