It is very relevant.  The current traffic,  about a million passengers per year fly between that part of Russia and North America.   They currently, no matter where they fly to/from in the U.S., MUST stop in Western Europe and change planes, taking from 11 to 18 hrs, if they leave from the East coast.

Those coming from Russia, mostly visit the NE U.S., and therefore JFK is the logical point to non-stop to.  Those leaving from the North America, mostly fly out of the NE U.S., so their using non-stop Baltia service is a BIG benefit, as they will avoid delays and problems in Western Europe, not to mention having to change aircraft in that stop.  These numbers are supported in the DOT Form 41 quarterly enplanement/deplanement data.  I hope that this clears up any confusion.

Baltia plans to start non-stop service to Riga, Kiev, Minsk, and Moscow, within months of starting service to St. Petersburg.