Overchuk called strange US threats against Georgia because of air traffic with Russia

"The abolition of visas for Georgian citizens to visit the Russian Federation, as well as the resumption of direct flights between our countries, are purely humanitarian things," TASS quoted him as saying.

Overchuk added that about a million Russians have connections or roots in Georgia, and at least for this reason, Washington should have welcomed reports of the resumption of direct flights between the countries.

Russian President Vladimir Putin abolished the visa regime for Georgian citizens from May 15.

Moscow explained that the decisions taken are in line with Russia's principled approach to consistently facilitating the conditions of communication and contacts between Russians and Georgians, despite the lack of diplomatic relations.

The Georgian airline Georgian Airways has received permission for air traffic with Russia and will start flying there from May 20.

The United States threatened Georgian companies with sanctions in the event of the resumption of direct flights with Russia.

The State Department said that the restoration of air traffic between Russia and Georgia will be a matter of growing concern for the United States and other Western countries.