https://www.wsj.com/livecoverage/russia-ukraine-latest-news-2022-03-14/card/putin-signs-law-to-seize-foreign-aircraft-redeploy-for-domestic-use-7dG55AU0aMqdgs7HDTKb

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https://archive.ph/mJ0fu

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>Russian President Vladimir Putin has signed a law allowing Russian airlines to keep foreign aircraft for use on domestic flights, according to state news agency TASS. Moscow had signaled last week it could take such action in response to far-reaching Western sanctions.

>The new law, TASS said, would allow Russian airlines to retain and operate planes rented from foreign aircraft lessors that have pulled out of the market and canceled contracts because of the sanctions.

>Western sanctions have targeted a range of industries and the aviation industry in particular, with some countries closing their skies to Russian carriers, requiring insurers to cancel coverage, among other measures. The moves have effectively cut Russia off from the bulk of the global aviation network.

>Taking ownership of foreign aircraft will only have limited effect, though. Sanctions forbid maintenance, updates, support or the supply of spare parts for planes. Modern passenger jets require high levels of maintenance and flying them could pose risks to passengers.