Zelensky Warns Airlines: Russian Airspace Is Effectively Closed

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has warned all airlines operating in Russian airspace, along with their insurers, that flying over the country is becoming increasingly dangerous. He made the statement on Tuesday via his Telegram channel.

"We want to warn every airline that uses Russian airspace, as well as their insurance companies and anyone still using key Russian airports. Russian airspace is becoming completely dangerous," Zelensky said.

Drones Over Moscow and St. Petersburg

According to the Ukrainian president, Ukraine poses no threat to civil aviation, but airlines flying to Moscow, St. Petersburg and other major Russian aviation hubs will have to reckon with the risk of drone attacks in the country's airspace. "Although Russian authorities are not properly informing the public about this situation, Russian airspace will be de facto closed," he added, noting that skies filled with drones are no place for civil aviation.

Zelensky explained that he was issuing the warning because Ukraine does not want "innocent people to die." He said that, upon request for a safe flight, Ukraine is prepared to temporarily suspend attacks for partners — as was the case during CIA Director John Ratcliffe's visit to Moscow on August 25.

Attacks on Kyiv

The Ukrainian president also recalled Monday's strikes on Kyiv and the Kyiv region, which, according to his figures, killed 12 people and wounded 21.

"This is pure Russian terror directed against civilians. Since the start of the full-scale invasion, Russia has been trying to block our ports, and because of Russian attacks on Ukraine, our airspace is closed to civil aviation," Zelensky concluded.

Source: novinky.cz