Zelensky declares Russian airspace ‘completely unsafe’ ahead of drone attack
Volodymyr Zelensky has warned airlines that Russia’s airspace is “completely unsafe” amid Ukrainian drone strikes, reports BritPanorama.
The Ukrainian president issued the warning in his nightly video address, stating he did not want innocent lives to be lost, but noted that “the safe days in Russia’s skies are over.”
“Today, we want to warn every airline that uses Russian airspace, every insurer, and everyone who still uses Russia’s key airports: Russian airspace is becoming completely unsafe,” he said.
He emphasized, “Ukraine does not threaten civilian aviation as such – not a single civilian aircraft. There will simply be drones in Russia’s skies on a scale that has to be taken into account.”
Zelensky asserted that while Russian authorities are not adequately informing the populace, “the war started by Russia is closing its skies.”
In response, Vladimir Putin described the warning as “state terrorism” and indicated Moscow would formulate a response.
Earlier, Ukrainian officials stated that approximately 2,500 Russian soldiers are trapped on a narrow land strip known as Kinburn Spit, situated in the Black Sea. Ukrainian military sources confirmed this to Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty.
Ukrainian drone strikes have been reported to target Russian supply lines, adding to the mounting pressures on the trapped troops.
Zelensky’s statements underscore a critical phase in the ongoing conflict, highlighting the broader implications for civil aviation and military operations in the region.
As tensions escalate, the ramifications of these developments will likely reverberate across international air travel and security policies.
