Direct flights between Russia and Ukraine banned
Up to 70,000 passengers will be affected each month
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Direct flights between Russia and Ukraine will be banned on Sunday, as Kiev introduces new sanctions.
While Moscow initially called Kiev's ban on Russian airlines "madness", it soon announced it would mirror the move.
Flights will end at midnight on Saturday, following the collapse of last-minute crisis talks.
Up to 70,000 passengers a month will be affected, the BBC reports.
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.
However, two-thirds of all passengers travel on Russian airlines.
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.
Passengers will have to travel by train or via other countries.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments