According to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyj, commercial aviation faces severe risks over Russian airspace due to escalating drone warfare, prompting warnings to airlines and insurance companies. Putin dismissed the statements as state terrorism while Russian forces continue intercepting unmanned aerial vehicles.
Volodymyr Zelenskyj Warns Airlines Over Russian Airspace Drones
In a statement posted on the X platform, Zelenskyj stated that the skies over Russia are heavily congested with drones, leaving no room for civilian aviation. The directive specifically targets carriers operating regular flights to Moscow, St. Petersburg, and other primary Russian hubs.
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Vladimir Putin Condemns Warnings as State Terrorism
Russian President Vladimir Putin responded to the aviation warnings while attending a summit of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) in Kyrgyzstan, characterizing the statements from Kyiv as acts of state terrorism. The Russian leader added that he had not directly heard Zelenskyj’s remarks but maintained that Moscow would respond to the escalating security challenges.
Putin also asserted that Russia remains open to concrete discussions regarding a settlement in Ukraine if a fresh political impulse emerges, while reiterating his confidence in a Russian military victory. The head of the Kremlin dismissed ongoing speculation about an impending domestic mobilization as completely baseless, noting that Russian forces are actively neutralizing the daily drone threats.
Escalating Drone Strikes Target Russian Infrastructure
The conflict, now in its fifth year since the February 2022 Russian invasion, features daily long-range drone campaigns by Kyiv targeting military installations, energy facilities, and transport hubs inside Russia. Refineries, logistics centers, and air bases continue to experience explosions and prolonged disruptions as Ukrainian forces scale up their unmanned aerial capabilities.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did Volodymyr Zelenskyj warn airlines about Russian airspace?
Zelenskyj warned carriers and insurers that civilian aircraft are at severe risk due to high concentrations of military drones operating over Russian territory, stating that safe transit days have ended.
How did Vladimir Putin react to the airline warnings?
Putin labeled the warnings as state terrorism during an SCO summit in Kyrgyzstan, stating that Russia does not negotiate with terrorists and vowing a firm response.
Are commercial flights currently disrupted in Russia?
Yes, Russian aviation authorities routinely interrupt civilian flights in regions experiencing active drone defense operations.
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