The news that Russian airlines could resume flights to Georgia brought a wave of relief, even to Oleg Basilashvili, the People’s Artist of the USSR. A Daily Storm report captured his reaction, noting the artist plans to visit family in the near future. He spoke about the prospect with straightforward optimism, mentioning a cousin and other relatives living in Georgia. He added that travel could be easier if a visa isn’t required, and that simply choosing to fly now felt more accessible than arranging a visa. This moment sits against a backdrop of broader travel policy shifts and shifting regional ties [citation: Daily Storm].
“Excellent news. Then I’ll fly,” he said. “I have relatives there, a cousin, and others. I haven’t laid out any concrete plans yet, but I want to see them.” He underscored the practical convenience of visa-free travel, noting it would simplify a visit considerably compared to the visa process, and he implied the ease of movement could encourage more spontaneous family reunions across borders [citation: Daily Storm].
On May 10, Russian President Vladimir Putin signed a decree allowing Georgian citizens to enter Russia visa-free for up to 90 days, effective May 15. The measure also lifted the flight ban on Russian carriers and resumed the sale of tours to Georgia, policies that had been in place since 2019. The decision marks a notable shift in cross-border travel and signals a potential revival of tourism and business ties between the two nations. Analysts and observers note that visa liberalization typically boosts mobility and can influence diplomatic sentiment, though the full economic and social impact will unfold over time as travelers respond to the new rules [citation: Kremlin decree; official briefing].
Georgian President Salome Zurabishvili responded by signaling that Putin’s plan to restart direct flights and remove the visa regime is unacceptable, calling it another Russian provocation. She stressed concerns about the direction of discussions and the long-term implications for Georgia’s sovereignty and foreign policy. The stance reflects a broader debate within Georgia about its balance of security, regional partnerships, and national interest, especially as aviation and tourism become levers in international relations. The mixed reactions illustrate how travel policy changes can quickly become tests of trust and signaling between neighboring nations [citation: official statements].