Zelensky says airlines should avoid Russian airspace as Ukraine escalates drone operations
Chinese and Gulf state airlines are among those still using Russian airspace. Meanwhile, Russia says it will intensify its own attacks on Ukraine.
President Volodymyr Zelensky has warned airlines to avoid Russian airspace as Ukraine escalates its drone operations. In his nightly video address, Zelensky stated that Ukraine is effectively closing Russian airspace due to the heightened risk posed by drones. Ukraine has formally notified the UN of the dangers to civilian aviation.
Russian President Vladimir Putin denounced Zelensky's comments as a "declaration of state terrorism." Most Western commercial airlines refrain from flying over Russia due to the ongoing invasion, but some airlines in countries like Turkey and China still operate flights through the region. Zelensky directed his warning to airlines still flying to Russian airports, particularly in major cities such as St. Petersburg and Moscow.
The Ukrainian government has officially informed the International Civil Aviation Organization about the unsafe conditions in Russian airspace. Despite the risks, several airlines continue to monitor the situation closely, with some making adjustments to their flight plans.
Written by urgent.news from BBC World's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
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