Русский
Russian air carriers are currently involved in technical consultations with Japan and the Republic of Korea about resuming direct air service, according to Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Andrey Rudenko. He has stated that “Technical consultations continue directly at the level of our air carriers and transport agencies. The conversation is difficult and complex. Everything that has transpired was not our initiative. Unfortunately, our former partners have chosen to make this step. Nevertheless, we still remain hopeful that we will eventually be able to resume travel links, especially since it is economically beneficial for them.”
Japan Airlines and Korean Air have both said they suspended flights to Russia in 2022 because the aviation insurance industry had ceased underwriting insurance due to economic sanctions being put in place. Russian air carriers insure their aircraft through domestic Russian insurance companies, including firms such as AlfaStrakhovanie, Ingosstrakh, and VSK. Around 37 countries across Asia, the Middle East, Africa, and parts of Europe/South America accept flights from Russian-operated airlines. These nations accept local state-backed Russian insurance policies and sovereign guarantees instead of traditional Western reinsurance.
Japan’s exports to Russia have declined from US$9.13 billion in 2021 to US$2.46 billion in 2025. South Korea’s exports have declined from US$13 billion in 2021 to US$4 billion last year. The primary export industries affected have been these countries’ automotive and electronics sectors. Japanese and South Korean companies also exited the Russian market, with their positions largely replaced by Chinese competitors such as Chery and Huawei, and a resurgence of Russian domestic electronic product and appliance manufacturers such as Redmond, Element and Sistronics.
