The US Commerce Department on Thursday barred three Russian airlines from receiving parts exported from the US in the department’s first move to punish alleged violations of export controls since Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.
The move – which applies to Russian major carrier Aeroflot, along with airlines Azure Air and Utair – is an attempt to cut airlines off the global economy.
It follows US sanctions announced on Wednesday against two of Russia’s biggest banks and the adult children of Russian President Vladimir Putin, as US President Joe Biden accused Russia of war crimes in Ukraine.
The Commerce Department’s so-called temporary refusal orders, which are valid for six months and can be renewed, effectively prohibit the use of American parts to service the aircraft, as well as maintenance contracts for aircraft that are not American. Subject to export regulations.
As a result of the orders, Russian airlines will be “largely unable to continue flying internationally or domestically over time,” said Matthew Axelrod, assistant secretary of commerce for export enforcement.
,[I]If you can’t service your planes, frankly it’s difficult to fly,” Axelrod said in a press briefing on Thursday, adding that three Russian airlines would be bringing “US-origin aircraft” into Russia without authorization. By flying those there would be an “imminent” breach of export controls. To continue to fly those planes within Russia without permission.
CNN has requested comment from three Russian airlines.