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 will be "effectively closing" due to escalating Ukrainian drone strikes, formally notifying the UN of increased risks to civilian aviation.
• Zelensky emphasized that Ukraine does not target civilian aircraft but cautioned about the presence of drones in Russian skies, urging airlines to reconsider flights to Russian airports such as Moscow and St Petersburg.
• Russian President Vladimir Putin condemned Ukraine's warning as a "declaration of state terrorism," while Russian attacks on Ukraine continue, including heavy strikes killing civilians and targeting power stations.
• Despite the warning, many airlines from countries like China, Turkey, and Gulf states continue to operate flights over Russia, closely monitoring the evolving security situation.
• Ukraine's drone attacks have disrupted operations at major Russian airports, with some cancellations reported, and aviation experts warn that Ukrainian strikes deep inside Russia are likely to increase, raising the risk of miscalculation or misidentification in the conflict zone.