Russian President Vladimir Putin on Wednesday abolished visas for Georgian nationals and lifted a 2019 ban on direct flights to Georgia.

“The Georgian government should clearly and publicly align its strategy with the intent of the two UN General Assembly resolutions condemning Russia for its aggression against Ukraine, the International Criminal Court which has charged Vladimir Putin with war crimes, and with the other democracies determined to punish and stop Putin’s criminal war machine," Executive director of the McCain Institute at Arizona State University, Evelyn Farkas told the Accent.

"This means adopting economic sanctions, along on the lines imposed by the European Union and the United States, among other countries, and includes a ban on Russian carriers flying to Georgia," she added.

According to a decree Putin signed, starting from May 15, Georgian nationals will be allowed to enter Russia without visas -- unless they’re coming to Russia to work or to stay for longer than 90 days.

Another presidential decree lifts a ban on direct flights by Russian airlines to Georgia. Russia unilaterally imposed the ban in 2019 after a wave of anti-Kremlin protests in Georgia.