Zelenskyy warns 'safe days in Russian skies are over'
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has warned airlines and insurers that Russian airspace is now unsafe due to the increased presence of Ukrainian drones. He stated that the era of safe travel through Russian skies has ended as the war continues.
Why it matters
This warning signals a significant escalation in the conflict, potentially disrupting international aviation routes and increasing insurance risks for global travel.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy on Tuesday (September 1, 2026) warned airlines, insurance firms and passengers that Russian airspace would be "completely unsafe" and filled with Ukrainian drones for the duration of the war.
"Today, we want to warn every airline that uses Russian airspace, every insurer, and everyone who still uses Russia's key airports: Russian airspace is becoming completely unsafe," he said on X. "There will simply be drones in Russia's skies on a scale that has to be taken into account," he added, warning "the safe days in Russia's skies are over."
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