Tensions between Russia and Georgia have been mounting steadily since five Russian servicemen were arrested Wednesday and charged with espionage. Also Wednesday, Georgian police surrounded the Russian military contingent's headquarters in Tbilisi, a siege that continued into Saturday.
Viktor Beltsov said the Il-76 airliner with 38 people on board had taken off at 18.50 Moscow time [14.50 GMT] and was expected to land outside Moscow two and a half hours later.
A Tbilisi court decided to remand the detained Russian servicemen in custody. Russia described their detention and the accusations leveled against them as a provocation. The Foreign Ministry recalled the Russian ambassador in Tbilisi to Moscow for consultations and decided to evacuate some of the embassy staff.
Two other planes with 79 people on board delivered staff and their families to Russia Friday.
Ivan Volynkin, the minister counselor of the Russian embassy, said two consular officers, two diplomats and security guards had stayed in Tbilisi for the embassy to continue working.
