{ {{Direct flights between Russia and Ukraine will be banned on Sunday, as Kiev introduces new sanctions.}} }<\/p>\n
While Moscow initially called Kiev’s ban on Russian airlines “madness”, it soon announced it would mirror the move.<\/p>\n
Flights will end at midnight on Saturday, following the collapse of last-minute crisis talks.
\nUp to 70,000 passengers a month will be affected, the BBC reports.<\/p>\n
Russia has argued Ukraine is shooting itself in the foot with the move, suggesting that most passengers are Ukrainian travelling to work in Russia or visiting relatives.<\/p>\n
However, two-thirds of all passengers travel on Russian airlines.<\/p>\n
The ban highlights how bitter relations remain between the two countries, following Russia’s annexation of Crimea and support of armed rebels in eastern Ukraine.<\/p>\n
Passengers will have to travel by train or via other countries.<\/p>\n
The Independent<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
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