State Department Reiterates Concerns Over Direct Flights Between Russia And Georgia

Washington D.C./23.05.23/Turan: The State Department on Monday reiterated its concerns about direct flights between Russia and Georgia.

A Russian passenger plane, operated by Azimuth Airline, landed in Tbilisi last week, for the first time since 2019.

"We have been concerned about direct flights between Russia and Georgia resuming. It could mean that companies in Georgian airports could be at risk for sanctions," Spokesperson Matthew Miller told a daily press briefing in response to Turan's questions.

He reminded that many Western countries, including the U.S, prohibit Russian aircraft from entering airspace.

"We – the entire Western community has distanced itself from this regime, and now is not the time to increase engagement with Russia," Miller concluded.

There have been no formal diplomatic ties between Moscow and Tbilisi since Russia invaded Georgia in 2008.

Alex Raufoglu