Overview

• The triennial ICAO Assembly opened in Montreal on September 23 and is expected to vote on Council seats later this week.
• Ukraine urged member states to increase pressure on Moscow, citing ongoing attacks that endanger passengers and damage aviation infrastructure.
• The European Commission said Russia’s candidacy is unacceptable for a body charged with upholding international aviation rules.
• The United States also opposed Russia’s return, with Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy citing GPS spoofing, airspace incursions and sanction-related safety concerns.
• Russia remains under ICAO’s Significant Safety Concern status as the Assembly reviews alleged violations, with the Council urging no change and its April MH17 responsibility finding still in effect.