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London Slaps New Aviation Sanctions On Russia


British Foreign Secretary Liz Truss: “Banning Russian-flagged planes from the U.K. and making it a criminal offense to fly them will inflict more economic pain on Russia and those close to the Kremlin."
British Foreign Secretary Liz Truss: “Banning Russian-flagged planes from the U.K. and making it a criminal offense to fly them will inflict more economic pain on Russia and those close to the Kremlin."

Britain unveiled new aviation sanctions on March 9 under which any Russian plane can be detained, while exports of aviation or space-related goods to Russia can also be banned.

One aircraft was immediately impounded under the new restrictions.

“Banning Russian-flagged planes from the U.K. and making it a criminal offense to fly them will inflict more economic pain on Russia and those close to the Kremlin," Foreign Secretary Liz Truss said.


A Foreign Office statement said the ban includes any aircraft owned, operated, or chartered by anyone connected with Russia or designated individuals or entities and will include the power to detain any aircraft owned by persons connected with Russia.

Transport Minister Grant Shapps said one private jet had already been impounded while further investigations were carried out. The Telegraph newspaper reported that the plane was connected to a friend of Russian billionaire Roman Abramovich.

The statement said that new restrictions will also prevent aviation and space-related exports, including insurance and reinsurance.

This will mean cover is withheld on existing policies, while British-based insurers and reinsurers will be unable to pay claims on existing policies in these sectors, according to the statement.

Based on reporting by Reuters and TASS

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