Zelensky says airlines should avoid Russian airspace as Ukraine escalates drone operations

Key Points:

• Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky warned airlines and insurers that Russian airspace is becoming highly dangerous due to escalating Ukrainian drone strikes, effectively signaling a closure of the airspace for civilian flights.
• Ukraine has formally notified the International Civil Aviation Organization and the UN about the risks to civilian aviation over Russia, aiming to prevent unintended incidents amid ongoing drone attacks on Russian infrastructure.
• Russian President Vladimir Putin condemned Zelensky's warning as a "declaration of state terrorism," while several airlines continuing to fly over Russia, including Qatar Airways and FlyDubai, are closely monitoring the evolving security situation.
• Ukrainian drone strikes have caused significant disruptions at major Russian airports, especially in Moscow, where flights have been suspended due to air defense responses to drone detections, with attacks expected to continue and potentially increase inside Russian territory.
• The conflict has led to heightened aviation risks reminiscent of past incidents such as the 2014 downing of Malaysia Airlines Flight MH17, with Ukraine maintaining its airspace closure since the 2022 invasion, while some Asian and Gulf carriers still use Russian routes for efficiency.