If Russia-Georgia flights resume, companies may become objects of sanctions - US State Department

In an interview with Voice of America, the US State Department says that the resumption of flights between Georgia and Russia will pose a threat of sanctions for companies that will serve Russian companies at Georgian airports.

“Many Western countries, including the United States, prohibit Russian aircraft from entering their airspace. “We would be concerned about the resumption of flights between Russia and Georgia, given that companies at Georgian airports could be subject to sanctions if they serve aircraft subject to additional import and export controls,” the State Department said.
According to the US Foreign Service, "the entire Western community has distanced itself from this brutal regime and now is not the time to step up engagement with Russia."
For information, on January 18, Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov expressed hope that direct flights with Georgia would soon be restored.
On January 20, State Duma deputy Sergei Gavrilov said that it was necessary to restore not only air traffic with Georgia, but also full-fledged diplomatic relations between Georgia and Russia.
According to Irakli Kobakhidze, chairman of the Georgian Dream, when it comes to easing the plight of the citizens of Georgia, the government welcomes any such decision.
US Ambassador Kelly Degnan issued a statement regarding the resumption of flights between Russia and Georgia, noting that most Georgians prefer Russia to withdraw its troops from Georgia rather than restore direct flights to Moscow.
Georgian President Salome Zurabishvili also reacted to the statement about the possible resumption of flights with Russia and said that the resumption of flights with the Russian Federation is unacceptable.