Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has warned airlines operating in Russian airspace to reconsider their flights, saying Russia’s skies are becoming “completely dangerous” as Kyiv intensifies drone attacks deep inside Russian territory.
“We want to warn every airline that uses Russian airspace… the Russian sky is becoming completely dangerous,” Zelensky said in his nightly address.
Ukraine has formally notified the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) of the risks to civilian aviation, with Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha saying the move aimed to prevent unintended incidents.
Zelensky stressed that Ukraine was not targeting civilian aircraft but warned that the growing scale of drone operations would make Russian airspace increasingly hazardous.
Several airlines, including Qatar Airways and FlyDubai, said they were closely monitoring developments and would adjust routes if necessary.
Most Western airlines already avoid Russian airspace following Moscow’s invasion of Ukraine in 2022. Still, carriers from China, Turkey and Gulf countries continue to use some Russian routes because they offer shorter flight times and lower fuel costs.
Ukraine’s drone campaign has repeatedly disrupted Russian airports, particularly in Moscow, where flight operations have been suspended when drones are detected.
Russian President Vladimir Putin accused Kyiv of engaging in “state terrorism” and said negotiations could not be conducted with terrorists.
The warnings come amid escalating Russian attacks on Ukraine, including deadly strikes on Tuesday and further attacks on Kyiv, Odesa and Sumy.
Aviation risks in the region have been highlighted by past incidents, including the 2014 downing of Malaysia Airlines Flight MH17, which killed all 298 people aboard.
