Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has warned airlines, insurers and operators using Russian airspace, saying that it is becoming increasingly dangerous due to the presence of drones.
In his Tuesday evening address, Zelensky said Ukraine does not target civil aviation, but warned that the number of drones in Russia’s skies will reach a level that airlines need to take into account.
“Russia is not properly informing people about this, while Russian airspace will in fact be closed — the war launched by Russia is closing its own skies,” Zelensky said.
He also called on ambassadors of countries operating in Ukraine and Russia to relay this warning to their respective capitals.
Zelensky specifically highlighted airlines that continue to fly to Russia’s major airports, including those in Moscow, St. Petersburg and other major destinations.
“The safe days in Russia’s skies are over,” the Ukrainian president said, adding that Ukraine does not want innocent lives to be put at risk.
According to Zelensky, Ukraine’s Foreign Ministry and other relevant institutions will provide international organizations with information regarding the risks in Russian airspace.
The warning comes as Ukraine has intensified drone strikes against targets inside Russian territory, while Russia has increased its air attacks against Ukraine.
