Russian Airspace May Be Closed In Response To Western Sanctions
Source: Independent UK
Kashmira Gander Author Biography
Monday 08 September 2014
Russia has suggested that it may ban Western airlines from flying over its territory, in what it has called an asymmetrical response to new EU sanctions over the crisis in Ukraine.
Calling sanctions stupid, Russian Prime Minister Dmitry Medvedev blamed the West for damaging the Russian economy and said Moscow aimed to reduce the nations reliance on imports starting with increasing the output of domestic airliners.
Russia has been too patient amidst the worst confrontation with the West since the Cold War, and should have retaliated more strongly over attempts by the US and EU to punish Moscow for its role in Ukraine, Medvedev suggested.
He added Russia may decide to only allow the airlines of "friendly countries" to fly in its airspace.
Read more: http://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/europe/russian-airspace-may-be-closed-in-response-to-western-sanctions-9718897.html
sharp_stick
(14,400 posts)they may not shoot down anymore airliners.
earthside
(6,960 posts)The Ukraine-Russia dispute is really not much of our business.
We, i.e., the United States, ought to leave this alone, in my estimation.
karynnj
(59,504 posts)their Soviet era nuclear weapons. Nunn/Lugar was the bill that helped the US purchase those weapons that were then destroyed. Both the agreement and Nunn/Lugar were bipartisan US policy at that time. (The continuation of Nunn/Lugar passed in 2008 was Obama/Lugar. )
earthside
(6,960 posts)The Europeans, Ukrainians and Russians need to work out their disputes -- although our (the U.S. and NATO's) sneaky efforts to create a pro-NATO Ukraine is key to the conflict.
Cooperative Threat Reduction is going nowhere as long as the U.S. tries to unduly influence developments in Ukraine.
ColesCountyDem
(6,943 posts)The fact that we would prefer a pro-Western Ukraine hardly qualifies as 'sneaky efforts'. Why would we NOT prefer one?
newfie11
(8,159 posts)We should not get into this!!!
pampango
(24,692 posts)If Canada or Mexico wants to sign a trade deal with the EU, it is none of our business. (Actually, Mexico and the EU signed a trade agreement in 1997 with apparently little adverse reaction from the US.)
If Ukraine wants to sign a trade deal with the EU, it is none of our (or anyone else's) business.
DFW
(54,408 posts)Let them shoot down some Chinese planes instead.
karynnj
(59,504 posts)Just as avoiding the land mass of Russia would have an impact on European flights, the same would be true of Russian flights if the air space of all NATO countries are closed to them.
Sunlei
(22,651 posts)One Russian tourist said, "It was strongly suggested to take this years vacation in Crimea"
At this point Russia is already afraid of defections by any official with the means to get out on 'Vacation' and not come back.
Putin knows the next sanction coming is banning Russians travel to outside 'free countries'. Russian citizens better get used to 'vacation' in China and NK. I don't think Russian citizens will believe Putin much longer, and want to 'go back' to the old soviet days.
newthinking
(3,982 posts)The comment you mention was a campaign that Russia put on. Airlines offered some discount tickets this summer.
Yes tourism in Crimea is down. The shift will take time and also because in June there were long queues on the ferries at Kerch. Some interested people held off and postponed. But the ferry system was increased and there is no longer a very long wait.
Resort areas are used to going through cycles. I went to Hawaii some years ago when it was in the midst of a deep slump. People were not making money hand over fist but they were ok.
That is the way I would describe Crimea at the moment. It is actually doing pretty well as there has been investment flowing in. Real Estate prices have not even dropped. A western "grade" hotel that got $150 a night last year were going around $75, but that is still a very good profit margin considering cost of living and expenses there, so I really doubt the resorts are hurting much.
Sunlei
(22,651 posts)Russias people, the low level officials are not free to vacation wherever they wish. and are less free as time goes on. There is no comparison to Hawaii.
snooper2
(30,151 posts)RT has a branch in the US right?
W T F
(1,148 posts)and Europe as well. Good luck with that.
geek tragedy
(68,868 posts)if they wanted to travel abroad. Brilliant.
Blue_Tires
(55,445 posts)Good luck with THAT shit....
Russia is just blowing hot air and they know it...