KYIV — Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky warned airlines, passengers and insurers Tuesday that Russian airspace could become increasingly dangerous as Ukraine expands drone operations against Russia while the war continues.
In his nightly address, Zelensky said Ukraine did not intend to target civilian aircraft but warned that the growing presence of Ukrainian drones in Russian skies should factor into decisions to use the country’s airspace and airports.
“Russian airspace is becoming completely unsafe,” Zelensky said.
He also urged airlines and others using Russian airports to consider the risks, saying Ukraine would not threaten civilian aviation directly.
Russian President Vladimir Putin condemned Zelensky’s warning as a “declaration of state terrorism” and said Russia would not negotiate with terrorists.
The exchange came as Moscow and Kyiv have intensified attacks more than four years after Russia launched its full-scale invasion of Ukraine.
At least 12 people died Tuesday in Kyiv and the surrounding region during a fresh wave of Russian overnight strikes, according to Ukrainian authorities.
Ukrainian drone activity has also increasingly disrupted air traffic at Russian airports. Authorities have periodically suspended flights as drones approach major cities and airfields.
Zelensky said Ukraine would remove its drones from Russian airspace if its partners requested temporary pauses to support diplomatic efforts.
He said such pauses could apply to specific periods and locations to facilitate negotiations.
U.S.-mediated diplomatic efforts to end the war have stalled since fighting erupted in the Middle East in February.
Zelensky said the threat to Russian airspace would remain for as long as the war continues.
