Russia asks US to allow Boeing jet purchases in exchange for ceasefire – Bloomberg
Photo: Russia wants to agree with the United States on the purchase of Boeing aircraft (Getty Images)
Russia has approached the United States requesting permission to purchase Boeing aircraft, reportedly in exchange for a ceasefire in Ukraine, Bloomberg reports.
According to the outlet, Russia asked the US to allow it to buy Boeing planes as part of negotiations to end hostilities in Ukraine. While the request is not a formal precondition for a ceasefire, it could become part of a broader sanctions relief package if a deal is reached.
Bloomberg notes that US officials say any economic concessions can be discussed only after the ceasefire.
Since the start of the war, the US and its allies have frozen around $280 billion in Russian central bank reserves and blocked access to American and European markets for Russian airlines.
Following its invasion of Ukraine, Russia’s aviation sector has struggled due to a lack of access to foreign aircraft and spare parts.
Moscow has also publicly requested the lifting of sanctions on its flagship carrier Aeroflot, which has faced major disruptions due to a shortage of planes and components. American companies, including Boeing, shut down their operations in Russia after the invasion, worsening the situation for the country’s airlines.
Without international cooperation and sanctions relief, the prospect of restoring regular air travel between Russia and other countries remains unlikely in the near future.
Notably, despite sanctions, foreign aircraft continue to reach Russia via third countries. In 2024 alone, at least 28 planes were imported into Russia.
Since 2022, at least 18 Cessna aircraft have been illegally brought into the country through Türkiye, Lithuania, Latvia, Estonia, Germany, Georgia, and Oman. These planes are reportedly being used to train new pilots.
