Zelenskyy warns airlines against using Russian airspace

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has warned airlines to avoid Russian airspace as Ukraine increases its drone operations.Zelenskyy stated that Russian airspace is becoming unsafe for both airlines and insurers involved in flights to Russia.

Airspace warnings

He emphasized the importance of warnings to airlines operating in Moscow and St. Petersburg.

Zelenskyy reassured that civilian aviation would not be immediately endangered, but highlighted the increased drone activity in Russian airspace.

Most Western airlines have already opted out of flying through Russian airspace since the invasion in February 2022.

Some airlines from China and Gulf states, including Qatar and the United Arab Emirates, still use this airspace.

Russian President Vladimir Putin reacted, calling the warning “state terrorism” and promising to escalate attacks on Ukraine.

Putin stated that negotiations with Ukraine are not possible, referring to them as terrorists.

Ukraine previously closed its airspace to civilian aircraft after the invasion.

Zelenskyy affirmed that the Ukrainian Foreign Ministry will inform international bodies about the danger posed by drone activity in Russian airspace.

Zelensky:

We are receiving information that the first airlines have begun refusing to operate flights to Russian airports following our announcement about the drone threat, which objectively exists in Russia’s skies.

This is the correct and entirely logical response to the… pic.twitter.com/xRYRDl6PNM

— Clash Report (@clashreport) September 2, 2026

Impending attacks

Concerns about Russia conducting “massive strikes” on Ukraine’s energy infrastructure have increased.

Missile attacks on Ukrainian cities have intensified as Ukraine faces challenges with air defense systems.

Ukraine aims to raise the costs of the war for Russia through enhanced drone operations.