Zelenskyy warns airlines Russian skies not safe due to Ukraine drones

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy warned airlines and insurers on Tuesday that Russian skies are becoming dangerously unsafe due to Ukrainian drones patrolling the area. In his nightly video address, Zelenskyy stated that although Ukraine poses no threat to civil aviation, the presence of these drones effectively closes Russian airspace.

He emphasized that the war Russia initiated is closing its own skies. The war has led to intensified Russian air attacks on Ukrainian cities, with recent strikes killing 12 people and injuring many more. In response, Ukraine has carried out frequent drone strikes on Russian targets, including oil facilities and retail sites. While European and US carriers have avoided overflying Russia due to the conflict, other airlines from countries such as China, Turkey, the United Arab Emirates, and Gulf states still utilize Russian airspace.

Osprey Flight Solutions, an aviation risk advisory firm, warned that daily attacks inside Russia are nearly certain through 2026, including near Moscow and St. Petersburg. The firm also noted the possibility that the frequency of Ukrainian drone strikes will continue to increase within Russian territory. There is a realistic chance of miscalculation or misidentification in these areas due to the conflict.