Georgia's Dilemma: Resuming Direct Flights with Russia Amid Criticism and Uncertainty.

Russia's decision to restore visa-free access for Georgian citizens and direct flights between the two countries is seen as a strategic move to deepen ties with Tbilisi, potentially at the cost of Georgia's integration with the West. While some see the decision as a "gift" from the Kremlin to an obsequious Georgian government, others argue that it is a test of Tbilisi's delicate balancing act between Russia and the West. Georgia has not joined Western countries in sanctioning Moscow over its invasion of Ukraine, but has applied for EU membership and has been a refuge to tens of thousands of anti-war Russians.