Russia seeks reopening of Iraqi airspace to transport troops and equipment to Syria

MOSCOW / BAGHDAD — Russia has requested that Iraq reopen its airspace to allow the transportation of troops and equipment to its bases in eastern Syria, Middle East Eye (MEE) reported. The move comes after Turkey closed its airspace to Russian aviation in 2020.

Since 2015, Russia has maintained troops in Syria to support head of the Syrian regime Bashar al-Assad and its regional influence. However, restrictions were imposed on Russian flights through Iraqi airspace under former Prime Minister Mustafa al-Kadhimi, which have begun to be eased under Muhammad Shia al-Sudani.

Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov recently visited Iraq to discuss strengthening relations and debt owed to Russian companies operating in Iraq. Russia wants Iraq to allow military flights through its airspace and to reactivate the Russia-Syria-Iran-Iraq (RSII) security coalition, established to combat the Islamic State (IS).

The Iraqi government recently granted three flight permits to Russia, but they were received late and not used. Russia needs access to Iraqi airspace as alternative routes are longer, more expensive, and require approval from other countries.

Although the situation is sensitive, Russia will not put Iraq in a critical position as the Iraqi government considers its options.

Russia is a significant investor in Iraq, primarily in the energy sector, with annual investments exceeding $13 billion USD. It also supplies military equipment to the Iraqi security forces. However, western sanctions have made it difficult for Iraq to pay Russian companies what it owes them for services rendered.

Iraq owes Gazprom and Lukoil around $770m and around $650m for military equipment, which can be settled by giving energy companies a share of oil produced instead of cash. The unpaid debt is not considered a large amount, but Russia may use it as a point of pressure. Some of the debt has been paid into a Russian account in the Trade Bank of Iraq, which is seen as an act of good faith, but the rest of the debt still needs to be paid.

While Russia’s influence in Iraq is limited compared to the US and Iran, Iraqi officials say Russia will not withdraw its oil companies from Iraq. However, Russia may stop contracts for supplying military equipment and providing maintenance for Russian weapons used by the defense ministry.