CNN
 — 

Russian officials have urged their American counterparts to consider reopening U.S. airspace to Russian flights and to reinstate direct connections between the two nations, according to a statement from the Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs issued on Friday.

The ministry noted that this request was made during a bilateral discussion held in Istanbul, Turkey, on Thursday, where representatives from both countries reviewed their diplomatic missions. The Russian statement indicated that the talks were centered on addressing various “obstacles” carried over from prior U.S. administrations.

“We especially highlighted the necessity for tangible outcomes aimed at fostering improved bilateral relations for the benefit of our nations’ citizens. Specifically, we requested that the American side contemplate the restoration of direct air services,” the ministry stated.

Following Russia’s unprovoked full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, Ukraine’s allies, including the U.S., Canada, the European Union, and various Western nations, prohibited Russian aircraft from entering their airspace. In retaliation, Russia subsequently restricted its airspace to numerous countries, although most Western airlines had already halted flights over Russian territory by that time.

A statement released by the U.S. following the Istanbul meeting confirmed that the two nations engaged in “constructive discussions,” but did not specifically acknowledge Russia’s request to reinstate direct flights.