Zelensky Warns of Dangers of Flying in Russian Airspace

Volodymyr Zelensky has warned that Russian airspace is becoming increasingly dangerous amid heightened Ukrainian drone activity.

The Ukrainian President issued the warning in a video address.

“Today, we want to warn every airline using Russian airspace, every insurer, and everyone who still relies on major Russian airports: Russian airspace is becoming completely unsafe,” Zelensky said.

The President stressed that Ukraine poses no threat to civilian aviation.

He said the warning was issued precisely because Ukraine wants to avoid civilian casualties.

The President stressed that this warning should be heard by ambassadors of countries working in Ukraine, as well as those based in Moscow.

He also said relevant airlines currently operating flights to Russian airports, particularly those in Moscow, St. Petersburg, and other major Russian destinations, should take note of the warning.

“The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine and our relevant institutions will provide international organizations with full information about the dangers in Russian airspace. Civilian aircraft have no place among drones,” Zelensky said in closing.

In March, Russian air defenses shot down a light aircraft in the Moscow region.

Later, in late May, Russia announced restrictions on civil aviation use of airspace over central regions.

In the Moscow air zone, civil aircraft were banned from flying at altitudes of up to 5,100 meters.

However, the restrictions did not apply to scheduled and charter passenger flights, medical and evacuation aviation, aerial chemical operations, pipeline and power-line monitoring, or flights conducted under government contracts.