**EU Condemns Russia’s Decision to Launch Commercial Flights to Occupied Abkhazia**
The European Union has condemned Russia’s decision to launch commercial flights from Moscow to the Georgian city of Sukhumi, the capital of Russian-occupied Abkhazia. This move is seen as another step by the Russian Federation in violating Georgia’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.
According to a statement from Anouar El Anouni, Spokesperson for EU Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, Russia took this action without the consent of Georgian authorities and in the absence of an international aviation code for the Sukhumi airport. The International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) had canceled Sukhumi’s aviation code in 2006 due to Russia’s occupation of the region.
Abkhazia is an internationally recognized part of Georgia, but it has been under de facto Russian control since the Russo-Georgian war in 2008. Moscow declared Abkhazia and the breakaway Georgian province of South Ossetia to be independent states after rolling troops into the region.
The EU’s statement reiterated its firm support for Georgia’s independence, sovereignty, and territorial integrity within its internationally recognized borders. This move comes as Russia continues to seek influence over former Soviet states, including Georgia.
**Lithuania Imposes Travel Restrictions on Russian Citizens**
In a related development, Lithuania has imposed travel restrictions on Russian citizens residing in the country. According to Lithuanian media outlet LRT, Russian and Belarusian citizens will have their residence permits revoked if they travel to Russia or Belarus more than once within a three-month period.
**Ukraine Warns of Possible Provocations by Russia**
Meanwhile, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has cautioned that Russia could orchestrate provocations, including “arsons, explosions, or other actions,” and then attempt to blame Ukraine. Speaking in a closed-door session with journalists, Zelensky reiterated Ukraine’s support for a U.S.-backed strategy calling for an unconditional 30-day ceasefire.
**Australian Prime Minister Wins Second Term**
In Australian news, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has secured a second term, becoming the first Australian leader to do so since John Howard in 2004. Yaroslava Mahuchikh, 23, also made headlines after winning a gold medal in the women’s high jump event at a track and field competition.
**US-Ukraine Relations Strengthened**
Pastor Mark Burns, who has been described as U.S. President Donald Trump’s “spiritual advisor,” claims to have played a small part in strengthening US-Ukraine relations during a recent visit to Ukraine. However, the Ukrainian government has expressed skepticism about these claims.
**Thermobaric Munitions Used in Black Sea Operation**
In another development, an unprecedented operation allegedly took place on May 2 near the Russian port of Novorossiysk in the Black Sea. Thermobaric munitions were used in this operation, which is a type of weapon known for generating powerful blast waves and high-temperature clouds.
**Togo Detains Russians for Forging Scholarships**
Finally, Togo’s Foreign Ministry has announced that it had detained two Russian nationals who had allegedly misled several citizens into leaving the country with promises of scholarships to study in Russia.
