Russian and Japanese airlines are discussing the resumption of direct flights between the two countries, Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Andrey Rudenko told Izvestia newspaper.

Everything depends on the position of the Japanese government, Rudenko added. He reminded that the Russian side “did not cancel or ban Japanese companies from flying to Russia; it was Tokyo’s decision.”

“Work and consultations are ongoing between the airlines… Once they are ready, please, we have no objections,” the Russian deputy foreign minister said.

Japanese airlines have suspended their flights over Russian airspace after the war in Ukraine began.

This week, 128 non-commercial organizations from South Korea and some other countries also have called for the resumption of direct flights with Russia, the Kommersant newspaper reports.