Resumption of Russia-Georgia flights could put Georgian companies at risk of sanctions - State Dept

WASHINGTON. May 12 (Interfax) - The resumption of direct flights between Russia and Georgia could lead to sanctions against companies servicing sanctioned Russian planes at Georgian airports, U.S. Department of State Principal Deputy Spokesperson Vedant Patel said at a press briefing on Thursday.

"If direct flights between Russia and Georgia resume, we of course would be concerned that companies at Georgian airports could be at risk for sanctions if they service aircraft subject to import and export controls," Patel said.

Peter Stano, the European Union's lead spokesperson for foreign affairs and security policy, said earlier that Georgia should not resume direct flights with Russia, adding that the sanctions imposed by the EU and a number of other countries on the Russian aviation sector do not allow flights to or from Russia or above its territory.

Russian President Vladimir Putin signed a decree on Wednesday lifting the restrictions on flights to Georgia that were imposed in July 2019.