Vladimir Putin Signs law to Seize Foreign Aircraft

The president of Russia, Vladimir Putin has signed a law that will allow the Russian airlines to keep the foreign aircraft for use on domestic flights. Moscow did indicate last week that it could take such action in response to the Western sanctions, that are being imposed on the country after its invasion of Ukraine.

According to the state news agency, the new law will allow Russian airlines to keep and operate planes leased from foreign aircraft lenders who have cancelled their contracts due to the sanctions. 

Western sanctions target a number of industries, especially the aviation industry, with some countries closing airspace to Russian airlines and requiring insurance companies to revoke their coverage. This move has effectively separated Russia from most of the world's aviation networks.

However, taking ownership of foreign aircraft has a limited impact. Sanctions prohibit the maintenance, renewal, support, or supply of spare parts for aircraft. Modern airliners require a high degree of maintenance and flying them without proper maintenance can pose a risk to passengers.