- Zelenskyy warns airlines and insurers that Russian airspace is becoming unsafe, stating, "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."
- Ukraine has formally notified the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) that Russian airspace is unsafe for civilian aviation due to increased military activity, according to Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha.
- Pegasus Airlines has cancelled flights to Moscow, citing technical and operational reasons, while other airlines are closely monitoring the situation.
- Putin dismissed Zelenskyy's warnings as 'state terrorism', stating, "Negotiations are not conducted with terrorists," and ordered strikes on Ukraine's energy facilities.
- Ukraine's airspace has been closed to civilian aviation since February 24, 2022, when Russia launched its full-scale invasion, making airports unsafe for civilians.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has issued a stark warning to airlines, stating that Russian airspace is becoming increasingly unsafe due to heightened military activity and Ukraine's expanding drone operations. In a statement, he urged all airlines and insurers to reconsider their use of Russian airspace, declaring it 'completely dangerous.'
Zelenskyy emphasized that Ukraine does not threaten civilian aviation and aims to prevent unintended incidents, but the scale of drone operations necessitates caution. He stated, 'The war is returning home to Russia,' indicating that the conflict's repercussions are now affecting Russian territory.
In response, Russian President Vladimir Putin condemned Zelenskyy's remarks as 'state terrorism,' asserting that negotiations cannot occur with terrorists. He announced plans for increased strikes on Ukraine's energy facilities, further escalating tensions.
Ukraine's Foreign Minister, Andrii Sybiha, confirmed that the country has formally notified the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) about the dangers posed to civilian aviation in Russian airspace. He stated, 'This is our responsible decision to notify ICAO and all airlines, and governments to take caution.'
Despite the risks, several international airlines, including Qatar Airways and Turkish Airlines, continue to operate flights through Russian airspace, although some have begun to cancel or adjust their schedules in light of the warnings.
As the conflict continues, the safety of air travel in the region remains a critical concern, with aviation risk advisory firms warning of potential miscalculations and increased frequency of strikes deep within Russian territory.
“Ukraine formally notified ICAO that Russian airspace is unsafe, urging airlines to avoid it. Pegasus cancelled 12 flights to Moscow overnight, while Qatar Airways and FlyDubai said they are monitoring the situation.”
The Guardian
BBC
euronews.com
