Russia: Zelensky's remarks on targeting civil aviation a point of no return

Russian officials have declared that Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky's remarks about targeting Russian civil aviation represent a critical turning point. Maria Zakharova, a spokesperson for Russia's Foreign Ministry, stated that Zelensky's threat has left no room for supporters to distance themselves from the alleged terrorism if they continue to aid him financially and militarily.

Zakharova declared on Sputnik news agency: "Zelensky's statement about targeting civil aviation infrastructure has effectively closed all avenues for his supporters to distance themselves from this terrorism if they continue to provide him with financial and military support. This is the absolute point of no return."

Earlier in the day, Russia reiterated its unwavering commitment to safeguarding civil aviation, responding to warnings issued by Ukraine. Russian Foreign Ministry's remarks came after Ukraine released Notices to Airmen (NOTAMs), alerting airlines about potential risks when flying over Russian airspace. Moscow accused these warnings of being attempts to compromise aviation safety and induce panic, denouncing them as illegal and insisting that Russian airspace remains secure.

Russia urged the global community to denounce these Ukrainian actions, perceiving them as a threat to aviation safety.

Russian Transport Minister Andrei Nikitin added that Russian authorities act promptly against any threats to civil aviation and are consistently striving to enhance safety standards at airports and throughout the aviation sector.