Operation of Russian military helicopters in some EU Member States

Question for written answer E-001346/2025 to the Commission Rule 144 Tomáš Zdechovský (PPE), Danuše Nerudová (PPE), Filip Turek (PfE), Ondřej Kolář (PPE), Virginijus Sinkevičius (Verts/ALE), Liudas Mažylis (PPE), Rasa Juknevičienė (PPE), Maria Grapini (S&D), Inese Vaidere (PPE) Subject: Operation of Russian military helicopters in some EU Member States In the light of the ongoing sanctions against the Russian Federation and the EU’s broader efforts to reduce dependence on Russian military technology, the continued use of Russian military helicopters in 13 Member States raises significant concerns. These concerns are particularly pressing given the geopolitical situation, the need to uphold the integrity of the sanctions regime, and the EU’s commitment to ensuring the security and resilience of its defence systems. Dependence on Russian military equipment not only poses potential risks to the safety and security of EU citizens but may also undermine collective efforts to reduce strategic vulnerabilities within the Union. 1. How does the Commission assess the risks associated with the continued operation of these helicopters, particularly regarding the safety of EU citizens and compliance with the sanctions regime? 2. Does the Commission plan to take concrete steps to expedite their replacement with equipment that is not reliant on Russia? 3. What support or guidance can the Commission provide to Member States to facilitate this transition in a timely and coordinated...