Zelensky warns of drone risk in Russian airspace

Zelenskyy's warning about the danger of flying over Russia gained prominence after Kyiv intensified drone attacks on Russian refineries and logistics hubs. The president asked all airlines, insurers and airport users to reconsider using Russian airspace.

Zelensky urges airlines to avoid Russian airspace

In an evening address, Zelensky said that Russia's airspace is becoming "completely unsafe" and that "there will simply be drones in Russian skies on a scale that must be taken into account." He stressed that the threat is not directed at civil aviation, but that the massive presence of drones poses a risk to commercial flights.

Ukrainian drone operations against Russian targets

Ukraine has expanded long‑range drone attacks on oil refineries and logistics centers in Russia, aiming to raise the cost of the war for Moscow. Among the cited targets are Novatek's oil‑processing units in Ust‑Luga, Leningrad region, where critical components were damaged and a large fire was reported.

Vladimir Putin's reaction

Vladimir Putin responded to Zelensky's warning by labeling it a "state terrorism declaration" and said the Kremlin will continue intensifying its own attacks on Ukraine. Speaking at the Shanghai Cooperation Organization meeting, Putin dismissed the idea of resuming negotiations, stating that "you don't negotiate with terrorists."

Carriers that still use Russian airspace

Although most Western airlines have avoided Russian airspace since the February 2022 invasion, some carriers from China, Qatar and the United Arab Emirates still maintain routes over Russia. Zelensky's alert could prompt these operators to revise their routes.

Impacts for passengers and insurers

The Ukrainian president asked insurers and users of Russian airports to take note of the heightened risk. He promised that Ukraine's Ministry of Foreign Affairs and other institutions will provide detailed information to international organizations about the dangers present in Russian skies.

With information from CNBC, The Guardian.