Zelensky Warns Airlines Over Growing Risks In Russian Airspace

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has warned airlines, insurers and operators using Russian airspace that the country’s skies are becoming increasingly unsafe because of intensified Ukrainian drone activity. He indicated that the threat would continue for as long as the war with Russia remains ongoing.

In his nightly address, Zelensky clarified that Ukraine was not targeting civilian aircraft but warned that the growing presence of drones over Russia would have to be taken into account by commercial aviation. Air traffic at several Russian airports has faced repeated disruptions in recent months as Ukrainian drone attacks have increased.

Zelensky also indicated that Ukraine could temporarily halt drone activity in specific areas if its international partners requested such measures to support diplomatic efforts. He linked the warning to the safety of civilian aviation and reiterated that Ukraine did not want innocent lives to be lost. His remarks came amid continued efforts to find a diplomatic path to end the conflict.

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Russian President Vladimir Putin responded sharply, describing Zelensky’s comments as a declaration of “state terrorism”. Putin argued that Moscow could not negotiate with terrorists while Ukraine continued attacks on Russian territory. The exchange reflected the increasingly hardline positions of both sides as US-backed efforts to revive peace negotiations remain stalled.

The latest tensions followed fresh Russian missile and drone strikes on Kyiv and the surrounding region that killed at least 12 people. Russia has increased its use of ballistic missiles, while Ukraine has responded with strikes against Russian infrastructure, ports and other facilities. Putin acknowledged that Ukrainian attacks had caused damage to civilian infrastructure, including oil refineries, while arguing that some facilities were insufficiently protected.

Putin also maintained that Russian forces were gaining momentum on the battlefield, describing an increase in the pace of their offensive. At the same time, he struck a more positive tone regarding US envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner, who have been involved in Washington’s mediation efforts. Putin described both as welcome and sincere partners, although negotiations aimed at ending the war have made limited progress in recent months.

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