In a significant development, Russian airlines will cease operations with the United Nations by April 2024, underscoring Russia’s growing international isolation due to its aggressive actions and policies, particularly in Ukraine. The move comes as the UN has increasingly distanced itself from Russian entities following its terrorist actions on the global stage, including military intervention in Ukraine
Russian aviation companies will leave the UN market by the first quarter of 2024, according to Russian media reports confirmed by the Russian Foreign Ministry. This decision follows the International Civil Aviation Organisation’s issuance of a ‘red flag’ to Russia, which halted the signing of new contracts with the UN. This was due to the double registration of aircraft, a practice that raises serious concerns about safety and security. The non-renewal of contracts for the provision of aircraft equipment by Russian companies for UN needs is systemic,” said Maria Zakharova, a representative of the Russian Foreign Ministry. The UN Secretariat, based on its interpretation of the standards, has restricted the participation of Russian companies in new tenders for the provision of air services following the ICAO decision highlighting ‘serious concerns in the field of air safety’ with regard to Russia.”
Russia’s exclusion from various facets of the United Nations marks a critical point in international relations. The UN’s move to distance itself from Russia’s influence is evident in several landmark decisions. For the first time in history, Russia was not elected to the UN’s International Court of Justice. Equally unprecedented was Russia’s removal from the Executive Board of UNESCO. To further illustrate the extent of its isolation, last year Russia was expelled from the Council of Europe and the UN Human Rights Council.
These developments are not isolated incidents. They are part of a broader pattern of responses to Russia’s actions, which many international observers and countries view as aggressive and terrorist, particularly in the context of Ukraine. Russia’s growing exclusion from international platforms and agreements reflects a global consensus against its current policies and actions, and signals a shift towards holding it accountable on the world stage. This isolation underscores the international community’s commitment to peace, security and adherence to international laws and norms, and firmly positions Russia as an outlier for its actions.
