BREAKING: Zelensky vows 'Russian sky will be de facto closed,' warns airlines, insurers, foreign governments

On September 1, President Volodymyr Zelensky of Ukraine warned airlines, insurers, and foreign governments that Russian airspace would be de facto closed due to Ukrainian drones, according to a Telegram post. Zelensky emphasized that Ukraine is not threatening civil aviation, but airlines flying to Moscow, St. Petersburg, or other major Russian hubs must account for the drone risk in Russian skies.

He stated, "Today we want to warn every airline that uses Russian airspace, every insurer, everyone who still uses key Russian airports — Russian skies are becoming completely dangerous." Although Russian authorities are reportedly underreporting the issue, Zelensky insisted that the Russian sky would effectively be closed as a result of Russia's ongoing war against Ukraine.

He addressed ambassadors in Kyiv and Moscow, urging them to inform their governments and airlines serving destinations in Russia about the situation. Ukrainian authorities pledged to provide international bodies with comprehensive information about the dangers. Drone strikes on Russian cities, including Moscow, have occurred multiple times, prompting temporary airport closures.

While Moscow is adequately protected against aerial threats, Ukrainian officials have previously stated that disrupting aviation operations serves as a strategic method to bring the Kremlin's war directly to the Russian population.