The European Union deplores the unilateral decision by the Russian Federation to launch regular commercial passenger flights to Sukhumi in Georgia's occupied breakaway region of Abkhazia.

This action, taken without the consent of the Georgian authorities and in the absence of a necessary international aviation code for the Sukhumi airport, is yet another step by the Russian Federation violating Georgia's sovereignty and territorial integrity.

The European Union reiterates its firm support for Georgia's independence, sovereignty and territorial integrity within its internationally recognised borders.