Finland’s public broadcaster Yle revealed on Thursday, 27 June 2025, that despite the strict sanctions imposed after Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, Russia continues to import aircraft parts from Boeing and Airbus.
One Billion Euro Worth of Parts Shipped
Based on Russian customs data, Yle’s investigation found that since 2022, Russia has imported aircraft parts worth at least one billion euros. Despite Western export bans on aircraft components, Russia has circumvented restrictions by establishing a global supply network comprising 360 companies.
Many of these companies have been added to Western sanction lists following the disclosure of their commercial ties with Russia.
Turkey, China, UAE, and Gabon Play Key Roles
According to the report, key countries involved in aircraft parts shipments include the United Arab Emirates, China, Turkey, and Gabon.
The imported parts include not only basic cabin materials but also critical equipment with potential military applications such as aircraft engines, radar systems, and cockpit computers.
600 Million Euro Airbus, 400 Million Euro Boeing Parts
Yle’s data shows that between February 2022 and September 2024, Russia imported approximately 600 million euros worth of Airbus parts and 400 million euros worth of Boeing parts. Experts warn that these figures may understate the true volume.
Civil airlines are the main recipients of these parts, with companies like S7 Engineering, which provides maintenance services for Western-made aircraft, also listed.
Airbus and Boeing: “Exports Are Legally Impossible”
Responding to requests for comment, both Airbus and Boeing stated they comply with all applicable laws and sanctions concerning Russia. Both companies emphasized that the export of parts, documents, or services to Russia through legal channels is not possible.
Over 700 Parts Shipped from India
An Investigate Europe report published in February showed similar findings. According to the investigation, India shipped more than 700 aircraft parts to Russia since 2022. These shipments included components ranging from generators and sensors to rotor blades and cockpit displays. Researchers noted that at least 200 of these parts could serve military purposes.
A significant portion of these parts was delivered to Utair Airlines, which is sanctioned by the EU. Other recipients include Aeroflot and Ural Airlines.
Maintenance Support Also Banned
The US and EU have also prohibited Western companies from providing maintenance support to Russia’s current aircraft fleet. Russia has tried to conduct maintenance and repairs domestically during this period.
$500 Million Worth of Parts Frozen
Russian Minister of Industry and Trade Anton Alihanov announced that aircraft parts valued at approximately $500 million have been frozen in the United States. Alihanov said the release of these parts will be a condition in future negotiations with Ukraine.
He also stated that pressure will be applied on Boeing and Airbus to recognise unauthorized maintenance:
“Although this maintenance was done without manufacturer approval, it does not affect flight safety,” he said.
66% of Russia’s Fleet is Western-Origin
According to the Russian Federal Air Transport Agency, Russian airlines operate 1,138 aircraft. About two-thirds of this fleet consists of Airbus and Boeing models. These Western-origin aircraft account for 90% of Russia’s domestic passenger traffic.
