Talks between Donald Trump and Russian president Vladimir Putin could take place as early as this month, the Kremlin has said. Despite the evident fury from Ukraine and its European allies about their lack of involvement, a settlement of the three-year war waged by Russia may be near.
The world’s biggest country remains an international pariah in the eyes of the UK and Europe. Both have imposed sanctions against Russian airlines, which are banned from British and EU airports and airspace; so too are carriers from Belarus, the Kremlin’s closest ally.
Yet despite the abhorrence at its invasion of Ukraine, Russia remains extremely well connected with much of the rest of the world.
Some of the world’s leading airlines – including Emirates, Qatar Airways and Turkish Airlines – are flying daily from their hubs to Russia’s biggest cities. And Russians seeking winter sun are spoilt for choice, with a vast range of flights to Turkish and Egyptian resorts, the Gulf and the Indian Ocean.
British travellers who choose to ignore the Foreign Office warning “against all travel to Russia” can readily find return flights from London Heathrow via Belgrade to Moscow or St Petersburg for £440 on Air Serbia. The flight path for the Air Serbia planes to the latter city crosses six EU countries: Hungary, Slovakia, Poland, Lithuania, Latvia and Estonia, before entering Russian airspace.
The main alternative from other UK airports is to change planes in Istanbul. Turkish Airlines and Pegasus compete for customers, with the latter charging £337 return from Manchester to Moscow.
“I have to wonder who would really consider Russia as a holiday destination in the wake of the war,” said Neil Taylor – travel guide writer and former tour operator to the Soviet Union.
“Most of my generation to whom I speak are reconciled to never returning to Russia.”
Tim White, who has been covering the conflict as a Ukraine correspondent on X (formerly Twitter), cautioned anyone tempted to travel to the world’s biggest country.
He said: “I think visiting Russia any time soon is a terrible idea. There are some amazing sights in the big cities, but it’s ruled by an indicted war criminal who hates Westerners and British people in particular. It’s just not safe.
“Think about how many ordinary people we hear about being arrested…
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