Zelensky warns airlines Russian skies not safe due to Ukraine drones

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has warned airlines and passengers that Russian airspace will be completely unsafe due to the increased presence of Ukrainian drones during the ongoing war. In his nightly address, Zelensky stated that Ukraine does not intend to threaten civilian aviation, as there are no civilian aircraft being targeted.

Instead, the skies of Russia will be filled with Ukrainian drones on a scale that must be considered. Russian President Vladimir Putin responded by accusing Zelensky of "state terrorism," stating that negotiations should not be resumed with terrorists. The conflict has intensified, with both sides launching deadly strikes. On Tuesday alone, at least 12 people were killed in Kyiv and surrounding areas from Russian strikes.

Air traffic at Russian airports has been regularly disrupted by Ukrainian drones, whose numbers have risen in recent months. Zelensky emphasized that innocent lives should not be lost, and therefore, Ukraine is warning its partners that the safe days in Russia's skies are over. The atmosphere above Russia is currently dominated by Ukrainian drones until the war concludes.

However, Ukraine pledges to clear its drones from Russian skies upon request by its partners, for the sake of diplomacy, negotiations, and specific periods and locations. Diplomatic efforts to end the conflict, mediated by the US, have stalled since the outbreak of war in the Middle East in February.