Moscow demands resumption of direct flights between Russia and the USA

Moscow demands resumption of direct flights between Russia and the USA

Russian negotiators asked their American colleagues to reopen the American airspace for Russian aircraft and to restore direct flights between the two countries, the Russian Foreign Ministry said on Friday.

bilateral conversations in Istanbul

The Ministry said that the request was provided during a bilateral meeting on Thursday in Istanbul, Türkiye, where the two countries discussed their diplomatic missions. The official statement emphasized that the discussions aimed to overcome numerous "friction points" that result from previous American administrations.

practical results for bilateral relationships

The need for practical results that aim to improve bilateral relationships in the interest of the peoples of both countries was particularly emphasized. Specific steps included the request to the American side to check the possibility of restoring direct air traffic.

background of the air barriers

After Russia had started comprehensive invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, the allies of Ukraine, including the United States, Canada, the European Union and other western states, banned a ban on Russian airplanes. In a counter -step, Russia then closed its airspace for dozens of countries, although most western airlines had already stopped their flights over Russia at that time.

conclusion and outlook

An explanation published by the United States after the meeting in Istanbul stated that the United States and Russia had had "constructive discussions", but did not specifically mention the request for Russia to resume direct flights. The development of these conversations is still being observed closely because it could potentially have an impact on international relationships and air traffic between the two countries.