The EU encourages Georgia, aspiring to become EU candidate country, to align with the EU and other countries in their sanctions against Russia, said HR/VP Josep Borrell Spokesperson, Peter Stano.

“Due to the illegal Russian aggression against Ukraine, the EU and a number of other countries sanctioned the Russian aviation, and does not allow flights from, to or over Russia.

The EU encourages Georgia, aspiring to become EU candidate country, to align with the EU and other countries in their sanctions against Russia also in the aviation sector, and to remain vigilant regarding any possible attempt to circumvent them.

Moreover, in light of the significant safety concerns notified to Russia by the UN’s International Civil Aviation Organization, Georgia should not allow unsafe Russian aircrafts into its territory.

Due to EU sanctions, 95% of the Russian airplane fleet is not able to update and upgrade their airplanes, which is essential to maintain the necessary international technical and safety standards”, - said the Spokesperson.