Russia Threatens to Block it's Airspace from NATO

Russia threatens to block it's airspace from NATO transporting supplies to Afghanistan. Reuters

KABUL (Reuters) - Russia threatened to block NATO from using its air space for operations in Afghanistan if member states did not stop "hostile" policies toward Moscow, the Kremlin's top diplomat in Kabul said.

"(Russian air space) is still open, but if the NATO countries continue to their hostile policies with regard to Russia, definitely this issue will happen," Zamir Kabulov told BBC radio in an interview aired on Thursday.

NATO imports most of its logistics via Pakistan to Afghanistan, but also uses Russia's air space for some cargo.

The 26-member alliance upset Russia by saying its use of force in a brief war with Georgia last month was disproportionate. NATO has also said Georgia will eventually be allowed join the alliance. Russia is fiercely opposed to further NATO expansion.