Zelensky warns airlines: Russian airspace will be ‘de facto’ closed due to drones
Zelensky says drone strikes make flights to Moscow and Saint Petersburg risky and that Russian airspace is "de facto" closed.
On September 1, 2026, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky publicly warned airlines, insurers and foreign governments that flights to major Russian hubs face growing danger because of Ukrainian drone strikes.
Zelensky said Ukraine does not aim to target civilian aviation, but urged carriers that operate to Moscow, Saint Petersburg and other large Russian airports to reassess the risks of drone activity in Russian airspace.
Warning to carriers and insurers
He told the international aviation sector: "Today we want to warn all airlines that use Russian airspace, all insurers and all those who still use the key Russian airports — the Russian sky is becoming absolutely dangerous. Although the Russian authorities do not report it properly, the Russian sky will de facto be closed," he said.
In recent months, attacks by unmanned aerial vehicles against Russian cities, including Moscow, have become increasingly frequent and have at times forced temporary closures of airports and disruptions to flights.
Ukrainian officials have described disruption of air traffic as a deliberate tactic to bring the war closer to the Russian population, while continuing to stress that civilian aircraft are not the target. The statement is likely to complicate decisions by airlines and insurers over routes that cross or terminate in Russia.
Photo: press material from the event
