As Western sanctions continue to isolate Russia’s aviation sector, Moscow is turning its attention to Africa, particularly Ethiopian Airlines, as a potential partner to support its limited fleet operations. In late July, Russia’s trade commissioner to Ethiopia, Yaroslav Tarasyuk, held talks with the Ethiopian Civil Aviation Authority (ECAA), offering a broad package of cooperation that includes the lease of aircraft with crew from Ethiopian Airlines. The discussions also covered the possible supply of aviation communications and surveillance equipment to Russia, as well as the construction of an aircraft maintenance center in Addis Ababa. An attempt by Russian authorities to negotiate with Ethiopia on leasing civilian aircraft to supplement the gradually failing fleet of domestic carriers has ended in failure. The Ethiopian Civil Aviation Authority (ECAA) has refused the Russian delegation that flew to Abbey for talks in late July 2025.