Russia woos Georgia with flight restoration and visa waivers as EU candidacy looms

Vladimir Putin signed decrees allowing Georgians to enter Russia without visas and restoring direct flights between the two countries.
The flight ban was imposed in 2019 following anti-Russian protests in Tbilisi.
Georgia's leader opposes improved ties with Russia until it ends aggression in Ukraine and withdraws from Georgia.
The moves risk Georgia's bid for EU membership by signaling closer Russia ties and anti-Western views.
Restoring flights has raised concerns Georgia will not become an EU candidate.