Kiev, Sep 26 (IANS): Ukrainian authorities have announced that they are set to ban Russian airlines from flying into the country as part of sanctions over Moscow's support for rebels in Kiev's eastern region, the media reported on Saturday.
Aviation authorities said the measures would take effect from October 25 and would include major Russian airlines Aeroflot and Transaero, BBC reported.
Russian transit flights will also be banned if the planes carry military personnel or dual-use goods.
The flight ban was announced by Ukrainian Prime Minister Arseniy Yatseniuk.
"Russian planes with the Russian tricolour have no business in Ukrainian airports," he said.
Responding to Ukraine's ban announcement, Russian officials said they would be forced to take adequate measures.
Dmitry Peskov, spokesman for Russian President Vladimir Putin, said - that if implemented - such a ban would be "another act of madness".