Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has warned that a rise in Ukrainian drone activity means that Russian airspace is effectively closed to civilian aviation. This warning comes as Russian drones have struck Kyiv for the seventh consecutive day. On September 2, Zelenskyy stated, "We in Ukraine do not want innocent lives to be lost. That is why we are warning our partners: the safe days in Russia's skies are over." He added that the airspace over Russia is currently unsafe for civilian aviation due to ongoing drone strikes. Ukraine has formally notified the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) that Russian airspace is not safe and has requested that member countries refrain from using it. The ICAO has not yet commented on Ukraine's request.
In related developments, German Defense Minister Boris Pistorius expressed concerns that a Russian victory in Ukraine would embolden autocratic leaders worldwide. He stated, "If Russia, if Vladimir Putin wins this war, then that is a blueprint for all the autocrats in this world to say: what do I care about the law, the sovereign rights of other nations?" Germany is advocating for stricter visa regulations for Russian citizens, aiming to prevent individuals who may pose security risks from entering the EU.
Norway has seized a Russian vessel at the request of Ukrainian state company Naftogaz, which is seeking compensation from Russia for property expropriation. The seizure was ordered by a district court in Norway. Meanwhile, Belgium's foreign minister reiterated the country's opposition to using frozen Russian assets, despite calls from other EU nations to move forward with this initiative.
Kaja Kallas, the EU's foreign policy chief, stated that the bloc is looking to tighten sanctions enforcement against Russia while increasing support for Ukraine. In a separate incident, Lida Moniava, founder of a Russian children's hospice, has been detained for allegedly spreading false information about the war in Ukraine.
On the ground, Russian drone strikes in Kyiv injured seven people and damaged buildings, while attacks in the Odesa region left over 350,000 homes without power. Ukrainian drone strikes in Russia's Belgorod region resulted in two deaths and 16 injuries. Zelenskyy also announced that Ukraine is close to finalizing a drone deal with Germany, which is expected to enhance the defense capabilities of both nations.