Bulgaria may open its airspace for Putin to meet with Trump
Photo: Vladimir Putin, Russian President (Getty Images)
Bulgaria may allow the plane of Russian President Vladimir Putin to fly through its airspace on the way to Budapest, states Bulgarian Foreign Minister Georg Georgiev, according to BNR.
"When efforts are being made to achieve peace, if holding a meeting is a necessary condition for that, the most logical thing is to facilitate such a meeting in every possible way," Georgiev said, commenting on the plans of Trump and Putin to meet in Budapest.
A journalist asked the official whether this means that Bulgaria may provide an air corridor for Putin’s plane.
"Well, how do you think the meeting is supposed to take place if one of the participants cannot get there?" Georgiev replied briefly.
Sanctions against Russia
After Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, the European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) and EU authorities imposed a ban on Russian aircraft flying over EU airspace.
This means that aircraft registered in Russia or controlled by Russian individuals or entities are prohibited from taking off, landing, or crossing the airspace of EU member states.
This ban is reinforced not only by aviation and transport restrictions but also by sanctions mechanisms: Russian airlines and aircraft leased or controlled by Russian entities fall under the rule denying access to EU airports and airspace.
These restrictions also apply to Putin’s aircraft. Each overflight permit must be granted by an EU member state, and such a route requires special exemptions or detours.
Incidentally, earlier the outlet Air Live reported that due to sanctions, Putin’s aircraft would be forced to fly around most EU countries. It would have to cover a distance of 5,000 kilometers.
