Talks in Turkey: Russia Proposes to Resume Direct Flights with the U.S.
Russia has proposed reinstating direct flights with the United States during talks described as “substantive and constructive” in Turkey. This initiative, discussed at a meeting in Istanbul, represents a potential step forward in improving bilateral relations, which have been severely strained since the imposition of sanctions in 2022 following the conflict in Ukraine.
The Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs reported that during six hours of negotiations with U.S. diplomats, several “irritants” inherited from the previous U.S. administration were addressed, and the possibility of reactivating direct air traffic between the two countries was specifically raised. This news had an immediate impact on the market, reflected in a 3.8% increase in the shares of Aeroflot, Russia’s national airline.
Why Were Flights Suspended?
The suspension of direct flights between Russia and many Western countries occurred in 2022 as part of the sanctions imposed on Moscow in response to the war in Ukraine. Since then, air travel between Russia and the U.S. has required layovers in third countries, increasing costs and travel times.
→ New EU Sanctions Against Airlines Operating Domestic Flights in Russia
Political Context Behind the Proposal
Russia’s proposal to resume direct flights coincides with a growing diplomatic rapprochement between Presidents Vladimir Putin and Donald Trump. This dialogue intensified following a phone call on February 12 and a high-level meeting in Saudi Arabia on February 18. Both nations have expressed their desire to negotiate an end to the conflict in Ukraine and explore major trade agreements, initially prioritizing the improvement of diplomatic ties.
The meeting in Istanbul also addressed other key issues, such as embassy funding and the normalization of consular work, after years of disputes and mutual expulsions of diplomats. Russia took the opportunity to raise the issue of returning six properties of its embassy in the U.S., which were confiscated between 2016 and 2018.
What Does the United States Say?
Although the U.S. State Department’s statement confirmed that issues such as embassy staff, visas, and diplomatic banking operations were discussed, it did not explicitly mention the proposal to resume direct flights. However, both sides acknowledged having identified specific steps to stabilize the operations of their diplomatic missions and agreed to continue negotiations in the near future.
Economic Impact and Prospects
If the resumption of direct flights is realized, a positive economic impact is expected in sectors such as tourism and international business. Aeroflot, which already saw an increase in its shares following the news, could benefit significantly from the reopening of direct routes to the U.S.
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