Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has issued a warning to airlines regarding the dangers of operating in Russian airspace, stating that it will be "effectively closing" as Ukraine intensifies its drone strikes. In a video address, Zelensky remarked, "We want to warn every airline that uses Russian airspace, every insurer, everyone who still uses key Russian airports: the Russian sky is becoming completely dangerous." Most Western airlines have ceased flights over Russia due to the ongoing conflict, although some airlines from countries like China continue to operate in the region.
In response, Russian President Vladimir Putin characterized Zelensky's remarks as a "declaration of state terrorism" and affirmed that Russia would persist with its attacks on Ukraine. Zelensky clarified that Ukraine does not pose a threat to civilian aviation, asserting, "not a single civilian aircraft" is targeted. He noted that the presence of drones in Russian airspace should be considered by airlines.
Zelensky's warning specifically addressed airlines that maintain flights to major Russian cities, including St. Petersburg and Moscow. Ukraine has conducted drone strikes on energy facilities within Russia, and an aviation risk advisory firm, Osprey Flight Solutions, indicated that while most strikes are expected to occur within 300 kilometers of the border, attacks deeper into Russia are likely to continue.
Putin, speaking at a summit in Kyrgyzstan, dismissed calls for negotiations, stating, "you don't negotiate with terrorists." His comments followed recent heavy strikes in Ukraine that resulted in 12 fatalities. He acknowledged that Ukrainian attacks have caused damage to infrastructure in Russia but claimed that only 10% of oil refineries remain to be repaired.
Airlines from China, Turkey, and Gulf states continue to utilize Russian airspace for efficiency in routes between Asia and Europe, while many other carriers have avoided the region since Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022. Ukraine has prohibited civilian aircraft from its airspace since the onset of the war. In 2014, the UN aviation agency determined that Russia was responsible for the downing of Malaysia Airlines Flight MH17, which resulted in the deaths of all 298 individuals on board. The Kremlin has consistently denied responsibility for the incident.