Zelensky Warns Carriers Against Flying Over Russia

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has warned civilian airlines that Russian airspace is becoming increasingly dangerous and will be effectively closed. In a statement this week, he cautioned carriers, insurers, and airport operators still active in Russia. Drone activity in Russian skies, he said, will reach a scale that must be taken into account, although Ukraine would not deliberately target civilian aircraft.

The Russian government described the remarks as an endorsement of state terrorism.

Zelensky's warning comes as Ukraine uses drones and missiles to hit warehouses, power plants, oil refineries, and air defense sites deep inside Russia. Russian forces have answered with missile attacks on Ukrainian cities.

Most Western airlines stopped flying over Russia after the full-scale invasion began in February 2022. Many were banned by Russia's civil aviation authority. Russian airspace is now used mainly by domestic carriers such as Aeroflot and Rossiya, along with airlines from China, Turkey, India, and the Gulf states.

The Ukrainian leader's message appears aimed at non-Western carriers that continue to use Russian airspace, as well as insurers and ground service providers. He said the airspace is no longer safe for civilian operations. The situation remains tense, with both sides trading long-range strikes.