US Warns Georgia: Consequences of Resuming Direct Flights with Russia

The United States is considering the possibility of imposing sanctions on Georgian companies if the country resumes direct flights with Russia. This statement was made by Vedant Patel, spokesperson for the State Department.

“If direct flights between Russia and Georgia are resumed, we will certainly be concerned. Companies in Georgia could face sanctions if they service aircraft subject to import and export controls,” Patel said during a press briefing.

On Wednesday, Russian President Vladimir Putin announced the cancellation of the visa regime with Georgia starting May 15, as well as the lifting of the ban on direct flights by Russian airlines to this country. The Russian Ministry of Transport later stated that Russian airlines are preparing to resume flights to Georgia, with plans for seven direct flights weekly from Moscow to Tbilisi and vice versa using domestic aircraft.