Ukraine formally warns airlines that Russian airspace is unsafe

Kyiv officially notified international aviation authorities of growing risks to civilian aircraft over Russia, a day after President Zelenskyy urged foreign airlines to avoid its airspace.
Ukraine has formally informed the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) that Russia's airspace is unsafe for civilian traffic, Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha said on Wednesday.

“Ukraine has officially notified ICAO that the Russian airspace is not safe for civilian aviation because of increased military activity. We urge everyone to avoid it,” Sybiha said on X.

He said Russia had been “deliberately ignoring the existing threats” created by its all-out war against Ukraine, arguing that the risks had already resulted in several aviation incidents in recent years.

“This is our responsible decision to notify ICAO and all airlines, and governments to take caution — even if Russia refuses to fulfill its responsibility to inform them. We want to prevent unintended incidents,” Sybiha said.