Russia’s exclusion from ICAO Council is vital due to its violations of aviation safety, including uncertified flights and GPS interference. This decision protects global air travel integrity and holds Russia accountable for threats to civilian aviation during ongoing conflict.

Russia's exclusion from the ICAO Council marks a critical international stance against its negative influence on civilian aviation. Since its full-scale invasion of Ukraine, Russia has violated the Chicago Convention, which governs global civil aviation safety standards, by flying uncertified aircraft and interfering with navigation signals like GNSS and GPS. Such actions threaten flight safety, undermine international aviation regulations, and jeopardize the security of passengers worldwide. Moscow’s interference disrupts navigation systems crucial for safe air travel, and its ongoing military aggression raises serious questions about its ability to contribute responsibly to global aviation governance.

This decision signals a strong message that a country disregarding international law and aviation norms cannot dictate or control safety standards essential to all states. Russia has lost trust and credibility within international aviation bodies, and this isolation impairs its ability to influence future global aviation rules. The unanimous support from other ICAO members, including key partners like the EU, UK, and the US, underscores the importance of upholding a rules-based international order and protecting aviation from political and military misuse.

Ukraine and its allies’ advocacy in ICAO has been pivotal in holding Russia accountable and reinforcing the principle that global civil aviation must remain safe, secure, and free from aggression and interference. Russia's failure to regain a seat on the ICAO Council reflects the global community's commitment to aviation safety and political accountability in times of conflict, affirming that civilian aviation must not become a tool in geopolitical aggression.