Yermak warns against easing Russian aviation sanctions, says line between civilian and military use is 'blurred'

Andriy Yermak, head of Ukraine’s Presidential Office, has warned Western allies against granting premature concessions to Russia particularly calls to lift aviation sanctions. In an April 30 opinion piece published in The Guardian, Yermak argued that easing these restrictions would hand Moscow a political and military advantage.

“On the surface, Moscow’s demands seem simple and humanitarian,” Yermak wrote. “But any softening of aviation sanctions would benefit President Putin and his war machine.”

His remarks follow Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov’s April 11 statement that Moscow has formally asked the United States to lift sanctions on its national carrier, Aeroflot. Lavrov tied the request to restoring direct U.S.-Russia air travel, stating, “We will work on it because this is a return to normality.”

Yermak pushed back strongly, asserting that the aviation sector is deeply entwined with Russia’s war efforts. He cited intelligence reports indicating that Russian airlines and airports have been involved in sanctions evasion and military logistics. Companies like Volga-Dnepr allegedly transport military equipment, while charter service I Fly reportedly deploys troops to the front lines.

Lifting sanctions, Yermak warned, would relieve internal pressure on the Kremlin and embolden further aggression. “This would enable a regime intent on prolonging its war and undermining prospects for a just and lasting peace,” he said.

The Biden administration has so far maintained its stance. Former President Donald Trump has publicly opposed lifting sanctions before a peace agreement, though Secretary of State Marco Rubio has hinted that limited relief could be part of future negotiations.

Meanwhile, Russia announced a temporary “humanitarian” ceasefire from May 8 to 11 to commemorate the 80th anniversary of the end of World War II in Europe. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky dismissed it as “another attempt at manipulation,” reiterating Ukraine’s demand for a full, unconditional 30-day ceasefire as a genuine step toward peace.