Russian President Vladimir Putin has lifted a 2019 ban on flights to Georgia and eased visa requirements for its citizens, marking a significant step for the two neighbours. The ban was imposed after protests broke out in Georgia over ties to Russia. Russia's Transport Ministry announced that its airlines would operate seven flights weekly between Moscow and Tbilisi, stating that the move would "facilitate the conditions for communication and contacts". The Georgian government welcomed the move, with Deputy economy minister Mariam Kvrivishvili saying that it would significantly improve travel options for the million Georgians living in Russia. Although Russia and Georgia have had no formal diplomatic relations since fighting a brief war over South Ossetia in 2008, their relations began to improve in recent years under Georgia's ruling party which attempted to avoid offending Moscow. The Kremlin has not provided an explanation for lifting the embargo, which represents a sharp warming in relations between the two former Soviet Union capitals.