WASHINGTON, DC – A Russian government aircraft, specifically an Ilyushin Il-96-300 registered as RA-96018 and operated by Rossiya Airlines, has departed from Moscow and is currently en route to Washington.
This particular aircraft belongs to Rossiya’s Special Detachment, a unit responsible for transporting Russian government officials.
The purpose of this flight was unconfirmed at the time of the flight operation, but speculations suggested that the flight may have been despatched to collect Russian diplomats.
The State Department has since confirmed the purpose of the mission, saying: ‘The US government has allowed the Russian government to send a charter flight to the United States to transport to Russia those Russian diplomats whose assignments have ended.
‘We also maintain strict reciprocity with Russia regarding special transport missions.’
Flight plan
Interestingly, the flight took a wide route, intentionally avoiding the European airspace that has been off-limits to Russian aircraft.
Departing from Moscow, the flight headed northward, traversing Finland, Sweden, and Norway before changing course to the southwest, ultimately entering North American airspace.
The flight landed on June 28, 2023, at Washington Dulles International Airport, following a flight of approximately eleven and a half hours.
The despatch of the Ilyushin aircraft occurs amidst heightened tensions between the United States and Russia. The two nations have found themselves at odds over current geopolitical issues; notably the Ukrainian war and NATO’s expansion.
It is understood that Russia has operated similar flights in the past for the routine collection of diplomats.
Nonetheless, the fact that the plane was able to reach Washington without any incidents suggests that the United States is willing to maintain some level of communication with Russia, even amid their ongoing disagreements.
Apart from the Ilyushin Il-96-300, Russia possesses several other government aircraft known for their long-range capabilities. Noteworthy examples include the Tupolev Tu-214, the Ilyushin Il-96-300PU, and the Ilyushin Il-96-400M.
These aircraft play a vital role in transporting Russian officials to international summits and meetings. Furthermore, they serve as a means of conveying cargo and personnel to Russian embassies and consulates across the globe.
Despite their current disagreements, the two nations continue to maintain a robust level of diplomatic and economic engagement.
Moreover, the flight of this Russian plane underscores Russia’s willingness to employ its government aircraft as a demonstration of its power and influence on the global stage.
The mysterious flight of the Russian government plane to Washington, D.C., has captured attention due to the current geopolitical climate between the United States and Russia.