US rejects Russian proposal to resume direct flights, citing need for ceasefire in Ukraine

The United States has declined a Russian initiative to restore direct air travel between the two countries, maintaining that such a step is contingent on meaningful progress toward a ceasefire in Ukraine.

"The Americans still believe that there must first be movement on the Ukrainian front, and only then can the resumption of air traffic be considered," Russian presidential aide Yury Ushakov said, Caliber.Az reports citing Russian media.

"Although in my view, restoring direct flights would be a logical and mutually beneficial step," Ushakov added.

The impasse over civil aviation is emblematic of broader diplomatic deadlock between Washington and Moscow amid the ongoing war in Ukraine. Following the invasion in February 2022, both the US and the European Union closed their airspace to Russian airlines. In a reciprocal move, Moscow barred carriers from 36 countries, demanding special authorizations from Rosaviatsia or the Foreign Ministry for overflight access.

Efforts to revive direct air links have seen intermittent behind-the-scenes engagement. The matter was first raised by the Russian side during negotiations held in Istanbul on February 27. It resurfaced in early April when Kirill Dmitriev, head of the Russian Direct Investment Fund (RDIF), visited Washington and met with Steven Witkoff, a special envoy of President Donald Trump.

“Active work is underway to reestablish direct flights,” Dmitriev said after the talks, suggesting cautious optimism on Moscow’s part.

Russia’s new ambassador to the US, Alexander Darchiev, also emphasized the importance of restoring air connectivity. In a statement made on March 27, he pledged to engage in “substantive work” on this issue as well as on easing visa procedures for citizens of both nations. According to Darchiev, practical steps had already begun and were gaining momentum.

However, US officials have dismissed these claims. Secretary of State Department Marco Rubio, commenting shortly after Dmitriev’s Washington visit, stated he had “heard nothing” about any concrete plans to reinstate flights. “I don’t know who would fly, considering how many Russian nationals are currently under international sanctions,” he remarked.

Ushakov also noted that no progress has been made regarding a potential conversation between Russian President Vladimir Putin and Donald Trump. “There is some talk about a possible phone call, but no agreements have been reached yet,” he said.

The air travel issue remains entangled in the larger geopolitical conflict and reflects the continued frostiness in US–Russia relations, with few signs of thaw on the horizon.

By Vafa Guliyeva