Key facts
- President Volodymyr Zelensky warned that Russian airspace will be "de facto closed" due to Ukrainian drone attacks.
- He advised airlines, insurers, and foreign governments to consider the risks of flying to Russian destinations.
- Zelensky stated that Russia's actions in the war against Ukraine have led to this situation.
- Ukrainian authorities will provide international bodies with full information about the hazards.
President Volodymyr Zelensky issued a stark warning on September 1, advising airlines, insurers, and foreign governments that Russian airspace is becoming increasingly hazardous due to Ukrainian drone activity. Zelensky stated in a Telegram post that "Russian skies are becoming completely dangerous" and will be "de facto closed," attributing the situation to Russia's ongoing war against Ukraine.
He specifically urged airlines using Russian airspace and those flying to key Russian airports to factor in the risks. Zelensky also called upon ambassadors serving in Kyiv to inform their governments about the potential dangers. Ukrainian authorities intend to provide comprehensive information about these hazards to international bodies. Drone attacks on Russian cities, including Moscow, have occurred previously, sometimes leading to temporary airport closures. Ukrainian officials have indicated that disrupting civilian aviation operations is a strategic aim to bring the war's impact home to the Russian populace.