Direct flights end between Russia and Ukraine

Direct flights between Ukraine and Russi­a stopped on Sunday, as new sanctions ­initiated by Kiev come into effect. Moscow first called Kiev's ban on Russi­an airlines "madness", then announced th­at it would mirror the move. Up to 70,000 passengers a month will be­ affected. Russia's transport minister has estimat­ed that the loss in ticket sales to both­ countries will run to around $110m (£73­m) a year. The ban is already angering passengers ­from both countries. Travelers between the two nations will now have to fly via third country, take the train or drive.