Live: 'Safe days in Russian skies are over,' warns Zelensky

Live updates

1. 8d ago

   Zelenskyy Warns Russian Airspace; US Envoys Meet Putin and Kyiv

   Foreign airlines are suspending flights over Russia following a warning from President Volodymyr Zelenskyy that Russian airspace will effectively close due to intensifying drone risks. Meanwhile, US President Donald Trump sent special envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner to Moscow and Kyiv with a proposal to end the war, leading to Kremlin talks with Vladimir Putin. In Ukraine, a Russian drone strike hit the SBU headquarters in central Kyiv, injuring at least 12 people. These developments coincide with escalating security alerts across Europe regarding hybrid warfare and Russian sabotage operations.

   Why it matters

   The war has entered its four-and-a-half-year mark for full-scale invasion, driving international diplomatic efforts alongside intense aerial combat. US negotiators are attempting a renewed peace outreach amidst widespread skepticism. Concurrently, European experts warn that covert pressure and sabotage operations by Moscow could escalate.

   What is confirmed

   • President Volodymyr Zelenskyy stated this week that Russian airspace will effectively be closing as foreign airlines suspend flights.
   • US President Donald Trump sent special envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner to visit Moscow and Kyiv with a proposal to end the war.
   • Talks between US negotiators and Russian President Vladimir Putin began in the Kremlin on Saturday.
   • A Russian drone strike hit the SBU headquarters in central Kyiv, injuring at least 12 people after an air raid alert was activated.

   Still unconfirmed

   • A growing series of suspected Russian sabotage operations across Europe could escalate into deadly hybrid warfare.

   What to watch next

   • Results and official statements emerging from the US envoys' talks in Moscow and Kyiv
   • Further actions or announcements by foreign airlines regarding Russian airspace suspensions
   Sources used for this update (8)

   1. www.yahoo.com — Zelenskyy says foreign airlines suspend Russia flights after Ukrainian warning
   2. kyivindependent.com — Breaking: Russian drone strikes SBU headquarters in central Kyiv, injuring at least 12
   3. uk.news.yahoo.com — Trump envoys Witkoff and Kushner plan to visit Moscow and Kyiv in their first trip to Ukraine
   4. www.yahoo.com — Putin heralds start of 'challenging talks' with US envoys over Ukraine
   5. timesofindia.indiatimes.com — From drones to assassins: Russia's hybrid war in Europe could turn deadly, experts warn
   6. finance.yahoo.com — Trump Envoys Arrive in Kyiv in New Push to End Russia’s War
   7. timesofindia.indiatimes.com — New-delhi Air Quality Index Today
   8. timesofindia.indiatimes.com — US issues security warning, restricts government travel to Mexican border city Nogales
   confidence 95%
2. 13d ago

   Zelensky warns airlines that Russian airspace is no longer safe

   President Volodymyr Zelensky has warned airlines, insurers, and foreign governments that Russian skies are becoming completely dangerous and will be de facto closed. While Ukraine states it does not target civilian aviation, the president noted that intensifying drone strikes make airspace over cities like Moscow and St. Petersburg unsafe. This warning comes as Ukraine works to develop new interceptors to counter a surge in Russian attacks, including a fivefold increase in high-speed jet-powered Shahed drone strikes within a single month, according to the Ukrainian air force.

   Why it matters

   Ukraine is attempting to disrupt Russian logistics and security by increasing drone operations within Russian borders. This strategy coincides with a Russian escalation in aerial bombardments targeting Ukrainian infrastructure. The tension has led Vladimir Putin to accuse Ukraine of state terrorism.

   What is confirmed

   • President Zelensky warned airlines and insurers that Russian skies are becoming completely dangerous.
   • Ukraine is developing new interceptors to counter Russian missiles and drones.
   • Ukraine states it is not targeting civilian aviation.

   Still unconfirmed

   • Russia surged high-speed jet-powered Shahed attacks by 5 times in a single month.
   • Russian airspace will effectively be closing although authorities are not properly announcing it.

   What to watch next

   • Reports of civilian aircraft rerouting away from Russian airspace
   • Official responses from international aviation insurance providers
   • Deployment of Ukraine's new interceptor systems
   Sources used for this update (9)

   1. CNN — Ukraine racing to develop new interceptors as Russian drones and missiles ravage the country
   2. Business Insider — Russia surged high-speed jet-powered Shahed attacks by 5 times in a single month, Ukraine's air force said
   3. UNITED24 Media — “Russian Sky Will Be Closed”, Zelenskyy Warns Air Companies Operating in Russia
   4. France 24 — Live: 'Safe days in Russian skies are over,' warns Zelensky
   5. The Hill — Zelensky warns airlines Russia’s sky ‘completely unsafe’
   6. thedeepdive.ca — Zelensky Says There Are No More Safe Moments in Russia’s Skies
   7. www.yahoo.com — Zelensky vows 'Russian sky will be de facto closed,' warns airlines, foreign governments as Putin accuses Ukraine of state terrorism
   8. www.yahoo.com — From plans to progress: Baron's Branch project set to transform downtown Waco
   9. www.huffpost.com — Zelenskyy Warns Airlines That Russia's Airspace Is Unsafe Due To Ukrainian Drones
   confidence 90%