US opposes Russia’s return to ICAO council

The United States is pushing back against Russia’s effort to rejoin the governing council of the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO), as delegates meet this week in Montreal. 

Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy said Moscow’s behavior in the skies makes it unfit to help set global aviation rules, citing GPS spoofing, repeated airspace violations, and safety concerns tied to sanctions. 

Russia lost its ICAO council seat in 2022, shortly after its full-scale invasion of Ukraine. Regaining a place on the council would give Moscow influence over international aviation standards, certification rules, and safety oversight. That prospect has drawn opposition from the US and several European governments, which argue that Russia continues to violate the very norms ICAO is meant to uphold. 

Russia, for its part, has used the Montreal gathering to press for an easing of aviation sanctions. 

In documents submitted to ICAO, Moscow argued that restrictions on spare parts, maintenance, and insurance for Western-built aircraft pose risks to safety. Russian airlines still operate hundreds of Boeing and Airbus jets that require parts and service from outside suppliers. Reuters reported that Russian officials claim these bans force operators to ground aircraft or scavenge parts, raising the stakes for flight safety. 

The push for sanctions relief reflects the impact of the restrictions on Russia’s aviation sector. With overflight bans in Europe and North America, Russian airlines have been forced to reroute flights, burn more fuel, and rely increasingly on domestically produced equipment. At the same time, loss of access to original parts and certified maintenance has cast doubt on the long-term airworthiness of Russia’s fleet. 

The US rejection of Russia’s bid comes just days after President Donald Trump delivered a strikingly tough message at the United Nations General Assembly in New York. In a speech that drew wide attention, Trump said he believes Ukraine can win its war with Russia and reclaim all of its territory. He criticized European dependence on Russian energy and described Moscow as a destabilizing force. The remarks marked a clear shift from earlier ambiguity and appeared to signal that Washington is prepared to toughen its stance toward the Kremlin. 

Trump went further when asked if NATO countries should shoot down Russian aircraft that violate their airspace. He answered yes, underscoring a more aggressive posture toward Moscow and connecting military responses directly to the aviation dispute unfolding in Montreal. 

According to Reuters, European countries have also opposed Russia’s candidacy, pointing to its continued aggression and a string of violations of international aviation law. The EU has argued that giving Russia a seat on the ICAO council would undermine the credibility of the body and weaken the enforcement of safety standards. 

The ICAO assembly is scheduled to vote on new council members later this week in Montreal. The outcome will determine whether Russia regains a seat or remains excluded, a decision that will shape its role in international aviation at a time when sanctions continue to weigh heavily on its airlines. 

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