US Ambassador to Russia details progress in the restoration of air travel operations
In the ongoing standoff between Russia and the United States, Aeroflot, Russia's flagship airline, continues to feel the brunt of sanctions. As of August 2025, no concrete steps towards lifting these restrictions have been reported.
Alexander Darchiev, a representative, declared that documents have been prepared for consideration by the American side regarding an ongoing process. However, as of now, there are no public indications that discussions to lift sanctions on Aeroflot flights between Russia and the United States are underway or likely to succeed soon.
The trading of Aeroflot shares, a financial market activity, is subject to the rules and regulations of the Moscow Exchange. The shares are influenced by various factors, including economic conditions, geopolitical events, company performance, and market fluctuations. As of 11:11 Moscow time on August 16, the trading price of Aeroflot shares stood at 67.42 rubles. Unfortunately, on this day, Aeroflot shares experienced a dip, decreasing by 2.67%.
The decrease in Aeroflot shares occurred amidst ongoing geopolitical tensions related to the war in Ukraine. Western countries, including the US, EU, and several others, closed their airspace to Russian airline aircraft following Russia's special operation in Ukraine. The US Department of Commerce imposed restrictions on the export and re-export of US-produced components for Russian airlines, including through intermediaries in third countries.
These sanctions have significantly curtailed Aeroflot's international operations. Routes to major U.S. cities such as New York, Los Angeles, and Washington DC have been suspended due to bans on Russian carriers flying over Western airspace. The sanctions remain a key part of the U.S. and allied strategy, with little sign of easing in 2025. In fact, U.S. senators continue to support secondary sanctions aimed at Russia, indicating a strong political will to maintain pressure.
The aviation sector in Russia faces severe challenges due to these sanctions, blocking access to foreign aircraft parts and technology. This weakening of commercial aviation infrastructure and safety further reduces the likelihood of normalization of flights between Russia and the U.S. in the near term.
However, there are glimmers of hope. Kirill Dmitriev, the head of the Russian Direct Investment Fund (RDIF), has suggested that air communication between Russia and the US could resume by the end of 2025. New consultations to address bilateral irritants are scheduled in the near future, offering a possible avenue for dialogue. In early March 2025, the head of the Russian Union of Industrialists and Entrepreneurs (RSPP), Alexander Shokhin, reported discussing a proposal to lift sanctions with the US Chamber of Commerce.
As the situation evolves, investors and the public will continue to watch closely for any signs of progress in the ongoing standoff between Russia and the United States, and its potential impact on Aeroflot's operations and share price.
- Despite the ongoing political tension and sanctions, discussions about potential changes in the policy-and-legislation that limits Aeroflot flights between Russia and the United States are being considered, as indicated by the recent consultations and proposed conversations to address bilateral irritants.
- In the general-news landscape, the future of Aeroflot's international operations, particularly flights to the United States, remains unclear due to ongoing geopolitical issues and the continued support for secondary sanctions aimed at Russia, but positive talks suggest a possible easing of tensions in the future.
