World news and discussion on TalkFuse.
Russia moves to let airlines keep flying foreign-leased planes they never returned after the full-scale invasion of Ukraine
Russia’s Transport Ministry has proposed extending a special regime allowing Russian airlines to keep operating foreign-leased aircraft and engines until the end of 2028. The proposal would continue a policy introduced after the full-scale invasion of Ukraine, when lessors sought the return of their planes and sanctions restricted aircraft-related supplies and services to Russia.
The regime, established in March 2022 under Government Resolution No. 412, was initially due to expire in 2024 and was later extended through 2026. Russian airlines had 515 leased planes when the war began; some were seized abroad, returned or bought out. From 2022 to 2025, airlines settled claims with foreign lessors for 204 of the 407 aircraft that remained, according to Vedomosti.
In short
- Russia proposes extending the aircraft regime through 2028.
- The policy lets airlines continue operating foreign-leased planes.
- Lessors’ claims were settled on 204 of 407 remaining aircraft.
Steelman: both sides, in good faith
The strongest fair case each way — we don't pick a winner.
The case for
Extending the regime could help keep domestic air routes and services running while sanctions and unresolved leasing disputes limit access to replacement aircraft and parts. Supporters may argue that an orderly transition gives airlines time to settle claims and replace planes without abrupt disruption to passengers, workers and regional connections.
The case against
Continuing to operate aircraft without returning them as lessors sought could prolong the loss of owners’ property and weaken confidence in international leasing contracts. Critics may argue that an extension delays accountability and leaves safety and maintenance concerns harder to resolve when sanctions restrict access to approved parts and services.
Europe Government Politics Russia-Ukraine War World