Zelensky warns airlines Russia’s sky ‘completely unsafe’

Live updates

1. 10d ago

   Air Tanzania cancels Moscow flights as Ukraine targets Russian airports

   Air Tanzania suspended flights to Moscow after flight TC 422 diverted to St. Petersburg on September 3 due to airspace closures around the capital. This follows President Volodymyr Zelensky's September 1 warning that Russian skies are completely unsafe. The Ukrainian Armed Forces are expanding strategic attacks on Russian airports to disrupt the economy and daily life. Meanwhile, Vladimir Putin ordered a 72-hour pause in strikes on Kyiv starting Saturday to coincide with the arrival of US envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner in Moscow.

   Why it matters

   Ukraine is using drone operations to effectively close Russian airspace to pressure the Kremlin. This strategy coincides with intensified Russian aerial campaigns and a recent daytime strike on Kyiv's SBU headquarters.

   What is confirmed

   • Air Tanzania flight TC 422 diverted to St. Petersburg on September 3 because of airspace closures around Moscow.
   • President Volodymyr Zelensky warned on September 1 that Russian airspace is completely unsafe.
   • Vladimir Putin ordered a 72-hour pause in strikes on Kyiv.
   • US envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner arrived in Moscow on Saturday.

   Still unconfirmed

   • Strategic attacks on Russian airports could end drone terror.
   • A daytime attack on Kyiv's SBU headquarters injured at least 12 people.

   What to watch next

   • Whether other international airlines suspend flights to Russia
   • The outcome of the US envoys' meetings in Moscow and Kyiv
   • The expiration of the 72-hour strike pause on Kyiv
   Sources used for this update (4)

   1. www.kyivpost.com — Ukraine Official Says Strategic Attacks in Russia Could End Drone Terror
   2. kyivindependent.com — First airline cancels flights to Moscow amid Ukrainian threat to 'close' Russia's skies
   3. kyivindependent.com — Ukraine war latest: Russia strikes SBU headquarters in daytime attack on Kyiv, injures at least 12
   4. uk.news.yahoo.com — Trump sends envoys to Moscow and Kyiv with new plan to 'end the war'
   confidence 90%
2. 13d ago

   Zelensky warns airlines Russian airspace is completely unsafe due to drones

   President Volodymyr Zelensky warned airlines, insurance companies, and diplomats on September 1 that Russian airspace is completely unsafe because of Ukrainian drone operations. Zelensky stated that Ukrainian drones have effectively closed the airspace, declaring that safe days in Russian skies are over for the duration of the war. In response, Vladimir Putin accused Kyiv of state terrorism. This warning follows a period of intensified Russian aerial campaigns, including seven consecutive days of strikes on Kyiv and a fivefold increase in jet-powered Shahed attacks within a single month.

   Why it matters

   Russia has shifted to new-generation drones and all-day attacks to exhaust Ukrainian defenses. Ukraine is currently accelerating the development of new interceptors to counter these missiles and drones. These escalating aerial threats target both civilian infrastructure and military assets in both nations.

   What is confirmed

   • Volodymyr Zelensky warned airlines and insurance companies that Russian airspace is completely unsafe due to Ukrainian drones.
   • Vladimir Putin accused Kyiv of state terrorism following the warnings.
   • Russian forces conducted strikes on Kyiv for seven consecutive days.
   • The Ukrainian air force reported that Russia increased high-speed jet-powered Shahed attacks by 5 times in one month.
   • Ukraine is working to develop new interceptors to counter Russian drones and missiles.

   Still unconfirmed

   • Pegasus Airlines cancelled 12 flights to Moscow following the airspace warnings.
   • Ukraine has officially notified the ICAO of airspace risks.

   What to watch next

   • Official responses from international aviation insurance companies regarding Russian routes
   • Further deployment of Ukrainian drones within Russian borders
   • Progress on Ukraine's new interceptor development
   Sources used for this update (16)

   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. WSJ — Russia Turns to New-Generation Drones and All-Day Attacks to Wear Down Ukrainians
   4. Reuters — Zelenskiy says Ukrainian drones have effectively closed Russian airspace
   5. France 24 — Live: 'Safe days in Russian skies are over,' warns Zelensky
   6. The Hill — Zelensky warns airlines Russia’s sky ‘completely unsafe’
   7. The Guardian — Ukraine war briefing: Russian sky full of our drones and not safe, Zelenskyy warns airlines
   8. www.yahoo.com — Zelensky: Russian airspace will be ‘completely unsafe and filled with drones’
   9. www.hurriyetdailynews.com — Zelensky warns airlines Russian skies not safe
   10. www.huffpost.com — Zelenskyy Warns Airlines That Russia's Airspace Is Unsafe Due To Ukrainian Drones
   11. tribune.net.ph — Enemy skies not safe, Zelensky warns airlines
   12. theins.press — “The war Russia started is closing its own sky”: Zelensky warns airlines and insurers against flying to Russia
   confidence 90%