Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky warned airlines, insurers and foreign governments on Sept. 1 that Russian airspace is becoming increasingly dangerous because of Ukrainian drone activity, saying it will be effectively closed to civilian aviation. Russian President Vladimir Putin responded by accusing Kyiv of “state terrorism” and saying Moscow could not negotiate with terrorists.
Zelensky said Ukraine does not intend to threaten civil aviation, but airlines operating flights to Moscow, St. Petersburg and other major Russian hubs must take into account the growing risks posed by drones.
“Today we want to warn every airline that uses Russian airspace, every insurer, everyone who still uses key Russian airports - Russian skies are becoming completely dangerous,” Zelensky said in an address posted to Telegram.
“Although the Russian authorities do not report this as it should, the Russian sky will de facto be closed,” he added.
Putin later accused Ukraine of engaging in “state terrorism” and said Russia could not negotiate with terrorists.
