Trump's decision caused a rift with the EU

The US is trying to prevent Donald Trump's decision to ease sanctions against Belavia from allowing Russian airlines to obtain critical spare parts, Politico reports.

Washington has authorized the sale of parts to the Belarusian carrier but has banned it from flying to Russia and a number of other countries.

The agreement between the US and Belarus was reached on September 11 after Minsk released 52 political prisoners. However, the very next day, the US Department of Commerce sent a letter to Belavia CEO Igor Cherginets with a list of restrictions for restoring access to spare parts.

The document states: “This authorization does not allow flights to Cuba, Iran, North Korea, Russia, Syria, the temporarily occupied Crimea of Ukraine, or the so-called DPR and LPR.” Belavia has 16 aircraft in its fleet, including nine Boeings.

The Belarusian airline has not yet responded to a request about whether it will stop flights to Russia. But on September 15, the carrier announced a 50% discount on tickets to St. Petersburg.

The US decision has created a potential rift with the European Union. European Commissioner for Financial Services Maria Luisa Albuquerque recalled that EU sanctions against Belarus prohibit the servicing of aircraft and the provision of any resources to Belavia.

EU countries are responsible for investigating possible circumvention of the restrictions. Brussels has not yet commented on its position on this issue.

The final decision on the sale of parts to Belavia must be made by American manufacturers. Airbus has stated that it is committed to conducting business ethically and in full compliance with international laws and sanctions.

“As a global company with operations in Europe and the US, Airbus complies with export control and sanctions regimes,” the corporation said.

Boeing declined to comment.

Photo: facebook.com/belavia.