Zelensky warns airlines of heightened danger in Russian airspace as Ukraine steps up drone strikes

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky told airlines that Russian airspace is becoming "effectively closed" because of a surge in Ukrainian drone operations over Russia. In his nightly video address, he said the attacks are aimed at military targets and do not threaten civilian aircraft, but the scale of drone activity requires airlines to reconsider routes that cross Russian territory. Ukraine has formally notified the International Civil Aviation Organization of the risk, and Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha said the move is intended to prevent unintended incidents.

The warning was directed at carriers that continue to fly to Russian airports, particularly in major cities such as Moscow and St Petersburg. While most Western airlines avoid Russian airspace, some carriers from Turkey, China and Gulf states still use it to save time and fuel on Asia-Europe routes. Qatar Airways said its flight planning relies on continuous monitoring of airspace security, and FlyDubai indicated it will adjust schedules as needed. Turkish low-cost airline Pegasus cancelled its flights to Russia citing technical reasons, though it said future services remain scheduled.

Ukraine’s drone campaign has targeted energy facilities and logistics hubs deep inside Russia, causing occasional disruptions at Moscow’s major airports. Aviation risk adviser Osprey Flight Solutions warned that daily strikes farther from the border are likely to continue, increasing the chance of misidentification of civilian aircraft. Russian President Vladimir Putin described Zelensky’s comments as a "declaration of state terrorism" and rejected negotiations, labeling Ukraine’s actions as terrorist.

The heightened risk comes as Russia intensifies its own attacks on Ukrainian infrastructure, with recent strikes killing civilians in several cities and preparations for larger attacks on power stations.