The decision by Russia and Georgia to reopen air traffic marked a significant moment for the European Union and its neighbors. In a conversation with RT, Viktor Vodolatsky, the First Deputy Chairman of the State Duma Committee on CIS Affairs, Eurasian Integration and Citizen Relations, offered his interpretation of that move. He reflected on how Peter Stano, the European Union’s foreign affairs spokesperson, framed his response to Tbilisi’s choice to resume reciprocal flights with Moscow. The core message, in Vodolatsky’s view, was clear: any engagement with Russia now tends to provoke strong anger and hostility across the EU, a sentiment he described as a widespread reaction to steps involving Moscow. He also asserted that the decision reached by Tbilisi and Moscow was appropriate under current circumstances, aligning with a strategic posture that he believes serves regional interests. On the eve of the changes, Georgia’s national carrier, Georgian Airways, announced the start of ticket sales for flights to Moscow beginning May 20, signaling a tangible shift in regional aviation ties. This sequence underscores the delicate balance many governments are trying to strike between security concerns, diplomatic signaling, and practical travel needs. Critics worry that reopenings could complicate EU-Russia relations and trigger new frictions with Brussels, while supporters argue they restore important air links that facilitate business, tourism, and people-to-people contacts across an often divided landscape. The broader context includes ongoing debates about how Western partners should respond to Moscow’s policies and how regional alliances adapt to a shifting geopolitical environment. As airports and airlines adjust schedules and routes, policymakers, airlines, and travelers alike will watch closely how these changes influence economic activity, regional diplomacy, and the everyday experiences of citizens who rely on cross-border travel. The conversation around these developments remains dynamic, with officials in Brussels and the capitals of neighboring countries weighing the costs and benefits of resumed air connections with Russia. (Source: RT)
