Speaking at the "Delovaya Rossiya" (Business Russia) forum on 26 May, Russian President Vladimir Putin admitted that he personally came up with the concept and decision to launch direct flights to Georgia. Responding to a forum participant who thanked Putin for the possibility of direct flights to Georgia, the Russian leader explained how the idea came about. He also expressed surprise at the unfavourable reactions to the decision he had heard from Georgia.

Putin added: "In general, I try to share whatever good things we have with my colleagues, but in this case it was really my decision and my recommendation. And other factors, especially the holiday season, played a role. I wanted to encourage Georgians who wanted to establish friendly relations with Russia, as well as Georgian companies and individuals who wanted to visit the country, to relax and experience the natural beauty, rich culture and delicious food.

I expected everyone to say, 'Thank you, isn't this great? There has been some kind of absolutely illogical uproar over this, which has been unexpected and quite bizarre".

Noting that "what happens inside the country is not our business; it is up to the people there to decide which way Georgia should go, how it should develop, etc.", he claimed that the Georgian leadership had repeatedly raised questions about the abolition of visas and the resumption of air travel, "and we have taken this step forward.

"We are ready to do our part of the way, we are taking steps in that direction, and we will continue depending on how our partners react," Putin said. He went on to say that he had no doubts that the decision would benefit business and was very pleased to hear this confirmed.

On the same day, Georgian Prime Minister Irakli Garibashvili responded to Putin's comments. According to Garibashvili, if anyone had asked for the return of the planes and trade, it was Saakashvili and his government. He pointed out that the current Georgian government has said that it only communicates with Russia on economic and trade issues and has no political engagement with Moscow.

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