Russia would welcome “practical steps” by South Korea to restore relations, Deputy Foreign Minister Andrey Rudenko said Tuesday, saying Moscow is paying attention to recent signs from Seoul about wanting to normalize ties. He also blamed the rift on South Korea’s decision to join sanctions against Russia. Rudenko added that aviation authorities and airlines were discussing a possible resumption of direct flights, though he said it was too early to speak of results. Korean Air suspended its Moscow and Vladivostok services in March 2022, citing operational challenges and safety concerns after Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.

Rudenko’s remarks came just hours