Zelensky says airlines should avoid Russian airspace as Ukraine escalates drone operations
Ukraine’s president has told airlines that Russian airspace will be “effectively closing” as his country escalates its drone strikes. “We want to warn every airline that uses Russian airspace, every insurer, everyone who still uses key Russian airports: the Russian sky is becoming completely dangerous,” Volodymyr Zelensky says. Most Western commercial airlines do not fly […]
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has warned airlines to avoid Russian airspace as his nation intensifies drone operations. In a nightly video address, Zelensky stated, "We want to warn every airline that uses Russian airspace... the Russian sky is becoming completely dangerous." Most Western commercial airlines have refrained from flying over Russia due to Russia's ongoing invasion of Ukraine.
However, some carriers in countries like China have taken advantage of time and fuel savings by flying through Russian airspace. Russian President Vladimir Putin dismissed Zelensky's comments as a "declaration of state terrorism" and threatened to continue attacks on Ukraine. Zelensky clarified that Ukraine does not target civilian aviation, as no civilian aircraft are at risk.
Instead, Ukraine will face an unprecedented number of drones in Russian skies. Aviation risk advisory firm Osprey Flight Solutions reported that Ukrainian strikes will likely occur 300km (186 miles) from the border, with potential increases in frequency within Russia. Putin accused Ukraine of negotiating with terrorists and urged Russia to resume talks.
Meanwhile, heavy strikes on Ukrainian power stations have caused the deaths of 12 people, and Russia claims to have damaged infrastructure within its own borders. Chinese, Turkish, and Gulf state airlines are among those using Russian airspace, seeking to reduce travel times and fuel costs.
Written by urgent.news from People Daily Kenya's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
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